1st October 2023 – (Hong Kong) In an eagerly anticipated event, the annual fireworks display will illuminate the skies above Victoria Harbour tonight, marking its return after a four-year hiatus. To ensure public safety and smooth operations, the law enforcement agencies will implement road closures on both Museum Road and Cultural Road starting from 7 p.m. Consequently, all bus and minibus stops within the designated area will be temporarily suspended. As early as 5pm, numerous citizens were seen gathering around the West Kowloon Cultural Centre, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the event. Authorities encourage residents and drivers to consider visiting the West Kowloon Cultural District and the Hong Kong Island area to witness the spectacular fireworks.
Due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Centre, the law enforcement authorities have announced an early road closure for the first phase, starting at 6.15pm. They are urging citizens and drivers to consider visiting the West Kowloon Cultural District or the Hong Kong Island area to enjoy the fireworks display.
Meanwhile, Tsim Sha Tsui was quite crowded at approximately 5pm. The weather conditions revealed a relatively clear sky with few clouds above Victoria Harbour. Undeterred by the sweltering heat, a considerable number of residents and tourists arrived early, positioning themselves by the waterfront to secure the best vantage points.
With the fireworks display scheduled for this evening, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority announced that, apart from the Xiqu Centre car park, all other parking facilities within the cultural district will prohibit entry and exit starting from 7pm. As the road closures expand further, it is expected that the Xiqu Centre car park will follow suit and halt operations from 8.30pm. Officials urge motorists who wish to leave the West Kowloon Cultural District before the fireworks display to exit the car parks no later than 6.30pm. Failure to do so may result in being unable to leave until the crowd disperses and the road closures are lifted, which is estimated to be around 10.30pm.
Meanwhile, MTR Corporation announced that, in response to crowd control measures implemented by law enforcement agencies on the streets, the following entrances and exits at MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station (J, K, L1, L4, L5, L6, N3, and P3) and at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station (H and R) will be temporarily closed. Passengers are advised to use alternative entrances and exits.