Press Releases

The 38th Hong Kong Arts Festival 2010 officially opens today Over 90% of all seats already sold

Febuary 25th, 2010

We are pleased to announce that the 38th Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) opened today with Cantonese Opera Treasures. Response to the Festival so far has been exceptionally strong – over 50% of all performances are sold out, and due to overwhelming demand, 12 extra performances were added. As of today, more than 90% of the tickets for the 116 performances have already been sold. This amounts to more than 93,000 seats. Tickets for available performances will continue to be offered during the Festival period from 25 February to 28 March 2010.

The opening ceremony of the 38th Hong Kong Arts Festival was held at 7:15pm today in the foyer of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The Honourable Mr Donald Tsang, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Patron of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, officiated at the opening ceremony together with Mr Charles Lee, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival; Mr Anthony Chow, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Raymond Young, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs; Mr Peter Wong, Chief Executive Officer of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited; Mrs Betty Fung, Director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; Ms Liza Wang, Chairlady of The Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong; and Ms Tisa Ho, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

This year the HKAF will present almost 180 performances and events, including 13 world premieres and 12 Asian premieres, the Festival symposium, masterclasses, workshops and other Festival PLUS events. As an annual international event, the HKAF focuses on the best international performing arts along with vibrant contributions from Hong Kong's creative talent. It also includes a strong regional Asian component, and serves as a showcase for the best contemporary and traditional performing arts from China.

For further enquiries, please contact Ms Katy Cheng, Marketing Director, at 2824 3555.