Hong Kong Labour Day drone show leaves buzzing spectators in festive mood

Hundreds of early birds have gathered at Hong Kong’s Wan Chai Temporary Promenade hours ahead of the Labour Day drone show, which is expected to include colourful tributes to the city’s coming festivals.

The 12-minute show will start at 8pm on Thursday, with 1,000 drones to weave through the skies above Victoria Harbour, forming shapes such as firecrackers, dancing qilin – mythical hoofed beasts – and traditional buns as a nod to the Cheung Chau Bun Festival.

The annual festival, which is held on the outlying island of Cheung Chau, is a weeklong event of Taoist origins. Celebrations will culminate in a children’s float parade known as piu sik on Monday, before a bun-scrambling competition kicks off at night.

Back at Wan Chai promenade, public relations worker Peggy Chan Suk-yee said she and her seven-year-old son had arrived at the waterfront two hours ahead of the drone show.

“Drone shows have been captivating us ever since the Doraemon one last year. It’s fascinating to witness how creativity is portrayed through these little devices and programming,” the 36-year-old said.

“I plan to continue taking my son to see drone shows, as each time offers a unique experience. Just a few days ago, I also watched one featuring Keung To.”