Opinion | Authorities must now rise to opportunity after Hong Kong drone shows blow

Major events are part of the economic strategy to promote Hong Kong. When they celebrate milestones such as the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China they can capture the public imagination.

But when they go friends they raise a big question over the city’s image as a mega-event capital. Thousands who were disappointed on the eve of National Day, and many more on the big day itself, can attest to that.

The whole city is talking about the last-minute cancellation of eagerly anticipated drone shows, firstly in the West Kowloon Cultural District on the eve of National Day, and secondly on the harbor on the day, with about 330,000 gathered for the fireworks display afterwards. Authorities blamed ionospheric scintillation, which is mainly caused by solar activities, for interference with GPS signals that control the drones.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung government said both situations were out of control and the public had been informed in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, close neighbor Shenzhen went ahead with a spectacular National Day drone show. That raises the question, if it could, why couldn’t Hong Kong?

The National Day harborside crowd at least had a fireworks display to look forward to after the panda-themed drone show was focused at the last minute. Those at West Kowloon the night before – including many families – were not so fortunate.