Applications will open from April 1 for the "2005 Bun Carnival" bun scrambling competition to be held on Cheung Chau on May 16.

Jointly organised by the Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the carnival will be staged from April 30 to May 16 at the Pak Tai Temple Playground soccer pitch.

The bun scrambling event had been a traditional activity of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, but was suspended for 26 years after the collapse of a bun tower in 1978.

To promote this heritage event, the Government has decided to revive it.

Modified contest ensures safety

The traditional characteristics of the bun tower will be preserved, but modern technology will be used in constructing the bun tower, and climbers will be taught safe methods ahead of time to ensure an orderly and safe competition.

Healthy and physically fit people aged 18 or above are welcome to join the competition.

If more than 48 people apply, the maximum number for the training session, places will be allocated by ballot. Applicants who live, work or study in Cheung Chau will be given priority in the ballot.

The 48 selected applicants must attend and complete the safety training sessions provided by the Hong Kong Mountaineering Union on tower climbing and avoiding falls.

Ofter completing the training sessions, they can participate in the selection of 12 finalists on May 1.

The finalists will enter the final competition at midnight on May 16.

The three finalists who grab the largest numbers of buns within the specified time and area on the bun tower will be named the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up.

Application closes on April 12

The competition's details and enrolment will be available from tomorrow at the 18 District Leisure Services Offices, from the co-organiser and the assisting organisers. Interested parties may also visit the department's website.

Completed forms should reach the Islands District Leisure Services Office, at Room 622, the sixth floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central on or before April 12. The forms can also be faxed to 2854 3949.

For enquiries call 2852 3220.

On May 7 and 8, there will be demonstrations on bun tower climbing by the Hong Kong Mountaineering Union, as well as a mini carnival.

Apart from the game stalls, people may also enjoy the fun of bun tower climbing with the union's professional coaching.