The grand variety show, which was staged at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Hung Hom at 7:00 p.m., attracted thousands of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong.

Henry Fok Ying Tung, vice chairman of the National Committee ofthe Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Gao Siren, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Ji Peiding, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR; Xiong Ziren, commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Forces Hong Kong Garrison; and Wang Yufa, political commissar of the PLA Forces Hong Kong Garrison, attended the show as guests of honor.

In his opening address, Henry Fok Ying Tung, also chairman of the Compatriots in Hong Kong for Celebrating the 53rd Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) which is the show's major organizer, said China has achieved great success in its economic, political, social and cultural development since it founded 53 years ago.

This year also marks the 5th anniversary of the HKSAR, which successfully realized the great concept of "one country, two systems," he said, adding that although the Hong Kong economy is slowing down currently, it still has the strengths to overcome theeconomic difficulties.

The variety show, co-sponsored by the HKSAR government and Fok's associates, featured performances by the PLA Forces Hong Kong Garrison, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, the five disciplinary services of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong Dance Company, theHong Kong Children's Choir and local pop singers including Hacken Lee, Eason Chan, Andy Hui and Joey Yung.

This is the first time that the five disciplinary services haveperformed in shows in celebration of the National Day.

After the show, many of the high-spirited audience stood at theground of the Hong Kong Coliseum which is near the Victoria Harbor,looking forward to watching the fireworks display starting at 9:00p.m. over the Harbor.

Tens of thousands of people gathered on both sides of the harbor to enjoy the spectacular display, which is the finale of a wide range of National Day celebration activities.

The Fireworks Display was solely sponsored by the Federation ofHong Kong Guangdong Community Organizations Ltd Its chairman Yu Kwok Chun said the federation was very happy to see that the dazzling fireworks display had delivered such joy and happiness tothe residents of Hong Kong.

The display divided into 10 spectacular scenes and lasted for 23 minutes and 25 seconds, with a total of 30,000 fireworks shellsdischarged from 1 large barge and 8 smaller pontoons located in the center of the Victoria Harbor.

To show Hong Kong's distinctiveness and the close relationship between the SAR and the home country, themes with resounding nameslike "Brave Heart," "Dragon Descendants" and "Into a New Era" wereincorporated into the program.

"We hope to cheer up all Hong Kongers through this marvelous and magical fireworks display. Meanwhile, we would like to encourage our people to be brave and resolute during the economic turndown, and to remain confident in the future of Hong Kong," Yu said.

(eastday.com Oct 2, 2002)