300,000 people expected to usher in New Year at HK harbourfront

Fireworks display at Victoria Harbour

The Hong Kong Police will implement special traffic arrangements and crowd safety management measures on HK Island and Kowloon to facilitate the spectacular New Year fireworks celebrations tonight (Dec. 31).

The police said up 300,000 people were expected to show up and watch the $14-million fireworks display over Victoria Harbour tonight.

Beginning at 11 p.m. and at 15-minute intervals, rooftops around the harbour will emit a series of “shooting stars” before the big bang and 10-minute musical fireworks display at midnight.

“The New Year’s Eve Countdown celebration and pyrotechnic show are expected to attract a large number of people to Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Waterfront Promenade,” the police said in a statement.

“Starting from 8 p.m., Police will implement road closures in Tsim Sha Tsui area in phases. Only vehicles with permits are allowed to enter the closed area,” it added.

The popular places to see the fireworks in Tsim Sha Tsui include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Open Piazza, the vicinity of the Clock Tower, and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.

To get there, take the MTR and exit at MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit L6 or J, or MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit E, and follow the signs to Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

“At present, there are construction works at Exit D, Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station at Nathan Road… The contractors have erected hoardings and barriers to seal off the area concerned with relevant notices displayed. Members of the public are urged not to enter these construction areas,” the police said.

People could also use the MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P1, and walk across Salisbury Road to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. It’s about a 15-minute walk.

If the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Complex and the vicinity of the Clock Tower are saturated, the crowd will be diverted to other areas.

“Due to maintenance works at the Avenue of Stars, special crowd management measures will also be implemented,” the police said.

“People going to and from the Waterfront Promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui East and Star Ferry Pier will be diverted to the pavement in Salisbury Road,” it added.

The police said members of the public who plan to watch the pyrotechnic display at the Avenue of Stars are advised to go to other vantage points such as Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Promenade near Hung Hom area.

“Police appeal to the public to follow instructions given by Police officers and to take heed of police signage and broadcasts at scene. They are also urged not to conduct street performance, or to use snow or aerosol spray to avoid causing obstruction or potential danger to others in the crowded area,” it added.

In Central, members of the public can watch the fireworks display at the Central harbor front area, including Central Piers 9 and 10.

Exit at MTR Central Station Exit A turn right and take the covered walkway to the Star Ferry Pier and turn right to the promenade. It’s about a 15-minute walk.

In Wan Chai, people could also watch from the Golden Bauhinia Square. To get there, take the MTR and exit at MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A5. Follow the signs to Golden Bauhinia Square via the covered walkway. It’s about a 15-minute walk.