A new version of "A Symphony of Lights" will be launched on May 1 to welcome the "Golden Week". It will also be enhanced with rooftop fireworks displays from May 1 to May 8.

Using new lighting and musical effects, the Tourism Commission has created a brand new "Symphony of Lights" extravaganza taking into account feedback from the trade and the community.

The show comprises four major themes, representing different stages of development of Hong Kong from a fishing village to a cosmopolitan city. It will be even more exciting, exploiting fully the drama of light and sound.

The first scene, "Birth", begins with the use of architectural lights gently lighting up individual buildings, setting the stage for the show. Lasers and searchlights wander across the night sky, to signify the beginning of Hong Kong as a quiet fishing village over a century ago.

Chinese traditions maintained

"Growth", the second scene, is represented by the display of rising colour patterns. Traditional lucky red and gold colours are displayed, complemented by traditional Chinese music. It suggests Hong Kong has maintained its Chinese traditions while embracing cultural diversity.

The third scene, "Joy", features the dynamism and energy of Hong Kong. Lasers again beam out over the entire harbour, and buildings seem to dance in celebration, in perfect tandem with the lights.

The finale, "Dazzling Hong Kong", brings out a powerful rhythmic display of myriad colour patterns and movements, representing an even brighter future for Hong Kong, Asia's world city.

20 buildings participate

CITIC Tower will join "A Symphony of Lights" for the first time during the May Golden Week, bringing the total number of participating buildings to 20, all on Hong Kong Island.

It is envisaged over 30 buildings on both sides of the harbour will participate in the show when it is extended to Kowloon side in December.

The the Hong Kong Tourism Board will sponsor the fireworks displays between May 1 and 8. They will be designed and choreographed to blend with the new version of "A Symphony of Lights". 

The show starts at 8pm every day and the best viewing location is along the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.

Spectators may listen to the soundtrack on the radio by tuning in to FM 103.4 MHz (English), FM 106.8 MHz (Cantonese) or FM 107.9 MHz (Putonghua); or through their mobile phones by dialing 35-665-665 (English) or 35-665-668 (Putonghua).

For enquiries, call the Tourism Commission at 2810 2555 or 2810 2770 during office hours, or the Hong Kong Tourism Board's visitor hotline at 2508 1234 from 8am to 6pm daily. For information on the show, click here.