Theme nights provide fun Hong Kong is looking for
- The Wine and Dine Festival together with other themed events in October showed the government what its ‘Night Vibes’ campaign is missing
Cheers to organisers of the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival for serving up a satisfying pairing with what the city needs to boost its nightlife. The sight of the Central harbourfront buzzing with tourists and locals should be food for thought for planners of a current push to boost community spirit and the sluggish economy. The annual four-day festival that ended on Sunday returned to a full-scale, in-person format for the first time in four years after being scaled down by pandemic restrictions and the 2019 anti-government protests.
The Tourism Board estimated that about 140,000 people attended this year’s festival, sampling food and drink at 300 stalls with dishes from 17 countries and regions, and showcasing fine wines from Italy, France, mainland China and more than 30 other places.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po uncorked festivities last Thursday, saying Hong Kong was “back in the business of pleasure”. He also admitted that “obviously we have a lot of catching up to do”.
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival returns to harbourfront in full form
Authorities have in recent weeks been trying to pick up the pace with the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign. But a waterfront market in the early days of the programme struck a sour note with some visitors who complained about overpriced fish balls, siu mai and other snacks, as well as kiosks and products that lacked originality.
The Wine and Dine Festival, which certainly qualified as a nighttime event, finishing at 11pm on two evenings during its run, seems to have stood out because it offered an attractive theme. Similar evening energy was provided at the German-inspired Octoberfest celebrations and parties to mark Halloween. With pandemic memories fading, revellers are warming up for nights out over the Christmas and new year holidays.
Any effort to brighten the city’s economy and spirits should be welcomed. But the Night Vibes push needs to be sustainable in the face of challenges such as competition from destinations around Asia and just over the border on the mainland.
Organisers would be wise to pursue ways to support the hospitality and entertainment sectors as well as harness the open market approach to using successful creative themes to whet the public’s appetite for fun.
