Heavy downpours dampen festivities after Dragon Boat Festival fireworks canceled

Around 100 people were waiting for the show along the Wan Chai waterfront when they learned of the cancellation.

Staff members wielding loudspeakers marched along the promenade to announce the show’s cancellation, setting off a palpable wave of disappointment among attendees.

Those who came were ready to imbibe from the photography enthusiasts on hand after wrapping their equipment in plastic bags, while many others were dressed in ponchos lining the waterfront.

Members of the public who spoke to the Post said the cancellation was disappointing but expected, and they wished the organizer could have announced it sooner.

British tourist John Offord said he waited about 10 minutes before learning of the cancellation.

He said he was looking forward to the show after enjoying the Doraemon drone display two weeks ago.

“Maybe they should have announced it earlier, but I guess they remained optimistic,” he said.

He added that he was also disappointed that the free ice cream giveaway had been canceled.

Another resident, who only gave his surname Chiu, said he had traveled from his home in Kwun Tong and was surprised by the cancellation.

Chiu said he was unaware of the news until he arrived at the waterfront around 7 p.m.

“I was checking the website for updates, and they didn’t announce it until I arrived,” he said.

Karthik Venu, who had been waiting at the waterfront with his family since 5 p.m., said he was disappointed but understood the need for the cancellation.

“It wasn’t surprising, given today’s weather forecast,” said the 46-year-old who works in IT.

But Venu, who was seated further away from the main viewing point with his family, said he was unaware of the cancellation until he spoke to a Post reporter.

“I would like the organizers to announce the cancellation more formally.”