The annual spectacular summer festival, International Arts Carnival, opened at the Hong Kong Cultural Center on Friday.

At a reception before the ceremony, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Anissa Wong presented prizes to the winners of the International Arts Carnival Graphic Design Competition.

The overall winner was primary five student Fok Ken-long who was also the primary school section winner, while form six student Joanna Tse Chung-yan won the secondary school section. The competition attracted 1,765 entries this year.

This year's International Arts Carnival, which runs until August 21, will feature more than 500 events.

Launching this year's International Arts Carnival is the full house performance "Nomade," an Asia premiere by the Canadian Cirque Eloize. Inspired by the wandering spirit and traditional folklore of the gypsies, "Nomade" blends acrobatics, dances and music to bring a surreal journey beyond imagination.

Other line-ups include puppetry, music, dance, drama, clowns and films.

In celebration of Hans Christian Andersen's bicentenary anniversary, the festival brings three stage performances inspired by Andersen's immortal tales: "The Emperor and

the Nightingale" by Hong Kong Ballet, "The Beautiful Hearts" by Class 7A Drama Group, "King of Fairy Tales -- The Eternal Child" by Hong Kong Dance Company.

Apart from performances, there are workshops, school tours, exhibitions, cultural tours, a graphic design competition, library and museum activities.

Source: Xinhua