The Better Hong Kong Foundation organized the Hong Kong 97 Spectacular – a light and sound show which included an illuminated flotilla, music, water fountains, special effects, lights, lasers and a fireworks display on Victoria Harbour to mark Hong Kong’s first day of Chinese sovereignty and to celebrate a new era on the evening of July 1, 1997.
The Foundation believed that July 1 was the perfect time for the Hong Kong community to make a bold statement to the world that captured the confidence in the future of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of China. The event would also build a spirit of togetherness and enable Hong Kong to forge ahead in its new role.
The Spectacular brought together the best of Hong Kong, Chinese and overseas talent and reflected the true face of Hong Kong as an international, cosmopolitan city, while offering the community an unforgettable spectacle in which the people of Hong Kong could take part to celebrate the present and their sense of optimism for the future. The US$12 million event was paid for by the Hong Kong commercial sector.
The concept of the Spectacular was initiated and developed by Hong Kong people. Thirty-four corporate patrons sponsored the event, and CSS International was chosen as project manager for the event. Don Mischer Productions, who mounted the opening and closing ceremonies at last year’s Olympics Games, produced and mounted the Show. Shipyards in Mainland China were responsible for manufacturing the flotilla barges.
Co-organizers of the event were the Association for the Celebration of Reunification of Hong Kong with China and the Association of Hong Kong Guangdong Society Organizations for the Celebration of the Return of Hong Kong to China.
Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr. Qian Qichen with Patrons of Honour
31 illuminated floats sailed around the “pearl”