Tourism Board reassess light show on the Peak after local concerns

The Hong Kong Tourism Board will reassess details on its planned illumination event on the Peak and arrange for a consultation on the matter after local residents raised concerns.

Some in the tourism sector hailed the event's creativity, stressing it would be a shame if the light show cannot proceed at the tourism hotspot.

Cross country runner Bonnie captured these moments while jogging on the Peak last week.

From light projections of wild animals to glowing pavilions, the environment was fully illuminated as a forest lit with purple and blue light attracted scores of revellers.

Bonnie said her jogging experience felt refreshing with these new light installations, adding the projections are so beautiful she would stop her jog just to appreciate them for 10 minutes.

As one of the latest events organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Peak illumination event is set to replace the daily "A Symphony of Lights" show that lit up Victoria Harbour nightly for 22 years.

This as the HKTB planned to premiere its new event at the end-of-the-year WinterFest on the Peak's Lugard Road and Harlech Road, with installations already seen strapped to several trees.

This man said he dislikes the plastic wrapping around the trees, emphasising any installation in the area should blend into the local environment.

I don't like it.

I don't know what they are building here.

I think I like the green, the trees, but not the construction.

The HKTB issued a statement on Sunday evening noting it is aware of residents' concerns over the installations.

They added they have been in contact with the event's stakeholders over the course of its development.

The Tourism Board said it had notified local residents about the event on three occasions since April, and stressed the light projections tend to be softer and have a reduced glare, and will only last from 7 to 10pm.

The HKTB also said it will arrange a consultation on the event and will announce any updates at a suitable time.

Some in the tourism sector, meanwhile, believe it would be a shame if the event were to be cancelled.

HKTB Executive Director Timothy Chui said the light show would be the first of its kind taking place in a forested area.

Praising its creativity, Chui suggested authorities consider moving the installations to a park under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department or the West Kowloon Cultural District if the original arrangement at the Peak is cancelled.