Organized by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and presented by Chinachem Group, the "One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" Carnival and 5G Live Concert, is set to take place on 8 December at the Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District. This cultural celebration aims to energize the community through drumming, while promoting cultural inclusivity. The event will feature world-renowned drummers who will perform alongside dancers for the first time, creating an exciting fusion of rhythm and movement. Consulates from various countries and local organizations will also participate, offering a range of international cuisine and unique cultural experiences, showcasing the blend of Eastern and Western arts in Hong Kong. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to join.

Last year’s Drum Carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District attracted over 16,000 visitors and more than 740,000 online viewers. This year, the "One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" Carnival and 5G Live Concert returns with exciting mix of global drumming and dance performances, celebrating the vibrant cultural spirit of Hong Kong. Conducted by Chew Hee-chiat, Assistant Artistic Director and Resident Conductor of HKCO, Highlights include the intangible cultural heritage drum teams from Mainland China, such as the Hancheng Xinggu and Lanzhou Taiping Drum, alongside local Lion Dance parading across the Great Lawn and engaging with the audience. The event will also feature a diverse array of performances, including local and Japanese tap dance (R&T, Natsuo Shimizu), Korean Drum Dance (The Little Angels Art Troupe), Malaysia’s Drum Theatre (Orang Orang Drum Theatre), Xinjiang hand drum dance (Leung Ching-kit & Hood Pasha Umer), and Indian Tabla and Dance (Nawaz Mirajkar, Sruti Pegatraju). To top it off, the audience will receive hand drums, joining in to create a powerful beat that will echo throughout the West Kowloon Cultural District.

The "One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" series has toured all 18 districts of Hong Kong, offering drumming workshops for children, teenagers, seniors, ethnic minorities, young people in custody, and members of the Strive and Rise Programme.  The Drum Carnival will also showcase video performances filmed at key landmarks across the city, promoting immersive cultural tourism and highlighting the distinct character and landscapes of each district. Drum teams from Chinachem Group, Immigration Department, A.S. Watson Group, and the "Strive and Rise" Programme will present drum performance to engage Hong Kong residents and tourists in this grand event.

On carnival day, consulates from around the world, including Japan, India, Hungary, Poland, Egypt, Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea, will bring a taste of their countries with delicacies and cultural experiences, highlighting Hong Kong's unique blend of East and West. A massive 3.47-metre Peace Drum will be on site for visitors to play, offering a thrilling hands-on drumming experience. The event will also feature free parent-child drumming workshops and a variety of fun activities, with everyone encourage to join in.

"One Beat, One World: Connecting Through the Drum" Carnival & 5G Live Concert

Date: 8 December 2024 (Sunday)

Time:     

• 12:00 – 16:45: Drum Carnival
• 16:45 – 18:30: Live Concert (Welcome to bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the Concert at dusk, with the sunset as your backdrop)

Venue: Great Lawn, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District

This article is sponsored by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Ltd