A grand parade will be held in Sheung Shui on October 4 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the opening of the Reunification Garden.

The newly-completed garden is located near the Lung Sum Avenue Sports Centre on Jockey Club Road, Sheung Shui. Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing will officiate at its opening ceremony and launch the grand parade at 11am.

Constructed by the North District Council with funding from the District Minor Works programme, the garden was built to commemorate the historic moment on July 1, 1997, when the People's Liberation Army passed Jockey Club Road on its arrival to Hong Kong.

Commemorative items including a plaque given to the garrison, sculptures of soldiers and photos showing the celebration events in the New Territories in 1997 are displayed in the garden.

Parade route

The grand parade will start after the Reunification Garden opening ceremony. Parade teams will set off at the North District Sports Ground and tour along Fung Nam Road, Jockey Club Road, Lung Sum Avenue and Chi Cheong Road.

The parade will feature performances by more than 2,000 people from 30 district organisations to show the rich variety of Chinese culture. These include a traditional wedding ceremony that used to be held by the boat community in Sha Tau Kok, and dragon and lion dances.

The programme also includes a Tang Dynasty costume show, dancing and gymnastics by youth groups, marching bands and a Tai Chi performance.