Crowds arrive early for Mid-Autumn lantern displays

On Friday afternoon, a number of individuals made an early visit to Victoria Park to enjoy the lantern displays before the Mid-Autumn Festival rush. The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival had already become a popular attraction since its opening on September 17, with queues forming during peak evening viewing times. One attendee explained that she had arrived during the day to better appreciate the intricate details of the lanterns.

She remarked, "I think this year’s display is quite special as it includes both Chinese elements and elements from around the world. I think the Chinese lanterns are quite beautiful; their craftsmanship is very intricate." Another visitor noted that by attending during the day, she avoided the large crowds that would gather at night, making it easier to see the finer details of the lanterns. She also expressed her intention to return at night to witness the illuminated lanterns.

Given the strong public interest, the government extended the lantern-lighting hours at the park from Thursday to midnight, with the exhibition itself running for an additional week until October 4. Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, stated that Chinese restaurants were experiencing solid business, with many establishments reporting full bookings for Friday night.

Describing the overall market situation as "satisfactory," Wong estimated that the catering sector could see total revenue between HK$320 million and HK$350 million for the evening.