Water World
Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park’s CNY Float Themed on Carnival Celebrations Whiskers & Friends Cheer for the Year of the Dog in their Festive Costumes

2018-01-29

In celebration of the Year of the Dog, Ocean Park has designed a carnival-themed float to join the 2018 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board on 16 February 2018. The spectacular float themed on carnival celebrations will appear in the cheering crowds with colourful decorations. Together with over 30 performers, the Park’s mascots, Whiskers & Friends, will make their appearance in Chinese New Year outfits for the first time, and celebrate the Lunar New Year with everyone in town. 

The design of this year’s float was inspired by the vibrant ambience of a carnival, featuring bright-coloured decorations and glittering lights. Whiskers, the Park’s iconic mascot, will lead his six friends, namely Justin, Mark, Redd, Dougie, Bao Bao and Fluffi, to cheer for the new year with audience along the route. To add to the festive mix, the float will be followed by 30 junior dancers from Island Dance School Hong Kong in adorable costumes, a number of giant animal-shaped inflatables and stilt performers, enchanting the audience with their enegetic dance moves.

Vivian Lee, Executive Director for Business Development and Education of Ocean Park, said, “Ocean Park is committed to providing all guests with memorable experiences that are fun. This year, we are joining the annual celebration with a carnival-themed float, our beloved mascots, Whiskers & Friends, and a troupe of exuberant junior dancers and the Park’s professional performers. We hope to indulge the audience in the new year festivity, and wish everyone a happy Year of the Dog. To spread messages about animal conservation, photos of our signature animal ambassadors will also be displayed on the float.” 

At the same time, Ocean Park is inviting guests to visit the Park for a festive experience during the Chinese New Year. From 16 to 25 February 2018, Ocean Park Lunar Lucky Fiesta will present guests with an array of festive decorations, attractions and performances. The Park has invited Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Arts Troupe from Taiwan to stage a spectacular performance, Divine Drums Celebration, at Applause Pavilion six times during the day time to surround guests with eye-opening Taiwanese Folk Temple rituals through innovative stage productions. The powerful performances by highly skilled drummers and dancers, their colourful facial paints and costumes, coupled with a state-of-the-art LED backdrop, special visual effects as well as strong, unique drum rhythms, are guaranteed to blow the audience away. Ocean Park is also partnering with YMCA FARM to hold a Nostalgic New Year Bazaar, where a variety of nostalgic handmade products and classic Hong Kong-style street food will be on offer. Moreover, the popular Mine Train presented by Samsung Gear VR, VR Arcade and VR Challenges Zone will also be available during Lunar Lucky Fiesta.

After the fantastic daytime celebrations, there will also be plenty to keep guests entertained in the evening. For the first ten days of the Lunar New Year, Ocean Park will launch Ocean Park Chill Night Out, offering free night-time admission to the festive attractions at the Waterfront Plaza from 7pm to 11pm, as well as Old Hong Kong presented by Kee Wah Bakery, Lakeside Chill and Neptune's Restaurant. From being delighted by roving performances, shopping and snacking on street food at the Nostalgic New Year Bazaar night market, to feasting at Neptune’s Restaurant and perhaps a chance of meeting the God of Fortune, guests will enjoy a wonderful evening full of wholesome entertainment and authentic local flavour.