XN000022-1997-04-25 — Page 23

- 21 -

Carnival to celebrate NT developments before handover

A large-scale carnival to complement the Handover Ceremony will be held on June 29 to present a kaleidoscope of new town developments in the New Territories over the past 20 years.

Outlining the programmes of the "Celebration of Developments in the New Territories Carnival" at a press conference today (Friday), the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, said that it would be one of the community building programmes planned and organised by the Home Affairs Department to encourage greater public involvement in activities related to the handover prior to the historical moment.

"The public, both local residents and overseas visitors, will also be able to capture the harmonious co-existence of traditional practices and modern developments in the New Territories through a series of entertaining programmes," Mrs Lau added.

To generate and maintain public interest, a total of nine lead-in variety shows will be staged from April 26 to June 21, either on Saturdays or Sundays, in nine New Territories districts, to help residents and visitors alike know more about the historical and environmental developments in the districts.

Highlight of the programme, a carnival featuring game stalls, a food fiesta, exhibitions, cultural performances and a variety show, will take place in Sha Tin on June 29 (Sunday). Participating bodies will include the nine New Territories district offices, the Regional Services Department, community bodies and local performing

groups.

The events are organised by the Home Affairs Department and co-organised by the Regional Council, the Education Department and the Hong Kong Tourist Association, with the assistance of the Commercial Radio.

Mrs Lau was joined at the press conference by the Assistant Director of Regional Services (Culture and Entertainment), Miss Choi Suk-kuen; Assistant Director of Education (Chief Inspector of Schools), Mr Ng Kwok-chuen; Manager (Local Public Relations Department) of Hong Kong Tourist Association, Miss Shirley Ping; and General Manager of Commercial Radio, Mr Ip Hon-leung.

Local artistes who had been appointed "District Ambassadors" for the carnival and representatives of the nine district offices were also present.

End