Corporate News

Huge turnout expected for Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

09/18/2013

More than 10,000 people are expected to watch the three-day Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, one of the signature activities in Tai Hang and Victoria Park celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, which got under way tonight (18 September).  Designated as an intangible cultural heritage tradition in China, this spectacular event has been supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for four consecutive years in collaboration with the Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association.

Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee joined Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, Central People's Government Liaison Office Hong Kong Island Office Deputy Peng Qiu-yun, Wan Chai District Council Chairman Suen Kai-cheong, Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association Chairman Ho Choi-chiu and other guests to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.

Celebrating the century-long tradition, Mr Lee said the fire dragon dance with local characteristics was to pray for peace and good health for residents. The landmark event in the Mid-Autumn Festival was also inscribed in the national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2011. “The Jockey Club has long put stress on cultural preservation and is delighted to continue its support for the Tai Hang Residents’ Welfare Association to stage the fire dragon dance and run educational programmes as part of efforts to keep and pass on the cultural heritage to future generations,” he said.

The Club has donated over HK$1.3 million to preserve the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance since 2010, and began to support other intangible cultural heritage traditions including Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, the Tai O Traditional Dragon Boat Water Parade and the traditional Yu Lan Festival of the Hong Kong Chiu Chow community last year. The donation also enables the Conservancy Association Centre for Heritage to organise an Intangible Cultural Heritage Education Programme for promoting public awareness of the four festivals by holding workshops on such areas as the history of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the making of a fire dragon.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also Hong Kong's largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia's most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.

Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee joins several hundred Tai Hang residents at the opening ceremony, lifting the head of a 220-foot-long fire dragon. He says the Club has long put stress on cultural preservation and is delighted to continue its support for the Tai Hang Residentsa£į? Welfare Association to stage the fire dragon dance and run educational programmes as part of efforts to keep and pass on the cultural heritage to future generations.
Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee joins several hundred Tai Hang residents at the opening ceremony, lifting the head of a 220-foot-long fire dragon. He says the Club has long put stress on cultural preservation and is delighted to continue its support for the Tai Hang Residentsa£į? Welfare Association to stage the fire dragon dance and run educational programmes as part of efforts to keep and pass on the cultural heritage to future generations.

Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee decorates the fire dragon.
Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee decorates the fire dragon.

Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee (7th left) joins Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (6th left), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (6th right), Central People's Government Liaison Office Hong Kong Island Office Deputy Peng Qiu-yun (3rd left), Wan Chai District Council Chairman Suen Kai-cheong (7th right), Tai Hang Residentsa£į? Welfare Association Chairman Ho Choi-chiu (5th left) and other guests to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.
Jockey Club Steward Michael Lee (7th left) joins Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing (6th left), the Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (6th right), Central People's Government Liaison Office Hong Kong Island Office Deputy Peng Qiu-yun (3rd left), Wan Chai District Council Chairman Suen Kai-cheong (7th right), Tai Hang Residentsa£į? Welfare Association Chairman Ho Choi-chiu (5th left) and other guests to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.

Club Steward Michael Lee (left) receives a commemorative flag from Tai Hang Residentsa£į? Welfare Association Chairman Ho Choi-chiu (right).
Club Steward Michael Lee (left) receives a commemorative flag from Tai Hang Residentsa£į? Welfare Association Chairman Ho Choi-chiu (right).

Photo 5/6: Guests and spectators all enjoy the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.
Photo 5/6: Guests and spectators all enjoy the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.


Other Corporate News