Cheung Chau's traditional bun scrambling event is set to return after a 26-year hiatus. Thanks to the concerted efforts of government departments, professional organisations, and community groups, the highlight of the island's annual Bun Festival will be revived in a safer and more orderly form.

The scrambling event was stopped in 1978 after a bun tower collapsed. Yet it has remained in the hearts of Cheung Chau's residents and is a Hong Kong cultural icon. So in response to calls to resume event, the Government has drawn up a programme which preserves the activity's traditional essence and ensures safety.

Bun fun: The Cheung Chau Bun Festival will see a new bun tower with a steel frame for the revived bun scrambling competition.

Fun festival

The 2005 Bun Carnival, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, will be staged from April 30 to May 16 at the Pak Tai Temple Playground soccer pitch on Cheung Chau.

The highlight of the programme, the Bun Scrambling Competition, will be staged at midnight on May 16. The new bun tower has a steel frame and training programmes for climbers will be held.

New Territories West's Chief Leisure Manager Margrit Li told news.gov.hk that government departments and community groups have rendered staunch support and assistance to ensure a smooth event.

To ensure the structural safety, professional advice and support has been sought from the Buildings and Architectural Services Departments, the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong Mountaineering Union.

"The union has also given advice on the competition's format, rules and the climbing method for competitors. It also provides training on bun tower climbing and prevention of falls," Ms Li said.

Traditions preserved

To preserve the traditional essence of the activity, views were invited from the Cheung Chau Wai Chiu County Association and the Cheung Chau Rural Committee.

"They provided a lot of valuable information, including the appearance of the traditional bun tower, the size, the weight, the appearance and the content of the white buns. They have also given us the traditional timetable for the scrambling event."

As a sizeable audience is expected, the Islands District Office has drawn up crowd management measures and contingency plans. Police, Fire Services, Civil Aid Service and other disciplinary forces will deploy staff to maintain order and safety.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee Chairman Yung Chi-ming hailed the Government's support for the re-launch.

"Many senior Cheung Chau residents miss the excitement brought by the event very much and have been longing for its revival. It will not only allow the younger generation to learn more Cheung Chau's tradition, but also attract more visitors to the island, boosting the community economy."

Mr Yung said he is happy with the design of the new bun tower, which blends the traditional design with modern architectural technology.

"There is not much difference in appearance between the present tower and the traditional ones. Although the traditional ones do not have a steel frame as its basic structure, we find the present one acceptable because we all agree that safety is our top priority."

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