No. 3 - December 2015
MONTHLY
Future Y Generation 1 Country, 2 Systems See what was discussed at our annual Christmas Conference
Thoughts on the first ever collaboration with CDS
The online edition.
Land and Housing
World Events 2015
Heated topic discussed in our PA Wokshop
Lookback at the main things that happened this year
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Editor’s Note Last and Next Event 2015 World Events Lookback Land and Housing Supply in Hong Kong 貧富懸殊 CDS-HKPASS Debate: “One Country, Two Systems” Christmas Conference 2015: Future of the Y Generation Christmas Service 2015 The Copyright Bill Debate Social Mobility 給你一個五星級的家 Cocooning : Who is to blame? Why socialize less… Where To Watch NYE Fireworks London's New Year's Day Parade
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EDITORIAL Hi Readers! Merry Christmas! On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! This Christmas is set to be the warmest one yet in Hong Kong. So, whether it is in shorts if you are in Hong Kong, or in jumpers if you are in London, we hope it will be a very jolly one. This edition brings to a close the season and year. We look back at the main events that happened this year. From the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union to the destruction of cultural heirtage by ISIL, this year has been much more than Paris attacks. This year has truly been a year of destruction, lets hope the coming year will be a year of creation. For those who are staying in London on New Year’s Even and New Year’s Day, we allso have some tips for how to make the most out of your time here. We wish you all the best for the forthcoming year and stay tuned as the busiest time of the year is about to kickstart! Zoe Liu
(Publications Officer 2015-16) Page 3
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..... ‘pass’ed EVENT
CHRISTMAS CONFERENCE 2015 Sunday 20th December University of Hong Kong
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‘on’ to the next .....
CULTURAL TRIP 2015 Friday 22nd January - Sunday 24th January Vienna, Austria & Bratislava, Slovakia
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WORLD EVENTS 2015 January
1st The Eurasian Economic Union comes into effect, creating a political and economic union between Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstanand Kyrgyzstan.
3rd-7th A series of massacres in Baga, Nigeria and surrounding villages by Boko Haram kills more than 2,000 people.
February
12th Leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France reach an agreement on the conflict in eastern Ukraine that includes a ceasefire However, several days later, the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebels claim that, within its first day, the ceasefire was broken 139 times, as both sides failed to withdraw their heavy weapons and fighting had continued.
March
5th-8th The ancient city sites of Nimrud, Hatra and Dur-Sharrukin in Iraq are demolished by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
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12th The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant becomes allies with fellow jihadist group Boko Haram, effectively annexing the group.
16th Egyptian military begins conducting airstrikes against Islamic militant group ISIL in Libya in retaliation for the group's beheading of over a dozen Egyptian Christians.
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April
2nd 148 people are killed, the majority students, in a mass shooting at the Garissa University College in Kenya, perpetrated by the militant terrorist organization Al-Shabaab.
25th A magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes Nepal and causes 8,857 deaths in Nepal, 130 in India, 27 in China and 4 in Bangladesh with a total of 9,018 deaths.
May
23rd Ireland votes to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the first country to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote.
June
2nd FIFA President Sepp Blatter announces his intention to resign amidst an FBI-led corruption investigation, calls for an extraordinary congress to elect a new president.
25th-26th ISIL claim responsibility for four attacks around the world during the Ramadan: KobanĂŽ massacre, Sousse attacks, Kuwait mosque bombing
30th Cuba becomes the first country in the world to eradicate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
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July
24th Turkey begins a series of airstrikes against PKK and ISIL targets after the 2015 Suruç bombing.
August
5th Debris found on RĂŠunion Island is confirmed to be that of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, missing since March 2014.
17th A bombing takes place inside the Erawan Shrine Ratchaprasong at intersection in Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand, killing 20 people and injuring 125.
10th Scientists announce the discovery of Homo naledi, a previously unknown species of early human in South Africa.
18th Automaker Volkswagen is alleged to have been involved in worldwide rigging of diesel emissions tests, affecting an estimated 11 million vehicles globally.
September
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24th A stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, kills at least 2,200 people and injures more than 900 others, with more than 650 missing.
30th Russia begins air strikes against ISIL and anti-government forces in Syria in support of the Syrian government.
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October
10th A suicide bomb kills at least 100 people at a peace rally in Ankara, Turkey, and injures more than 400 others.
November
7th Chinese and Taiwanese presidents, Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou, formally meet for the first time.
12th Several suicide bombings occur in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 43 and injuring 239. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant claim responsibility.
13th Multiple attacks claimed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Paris, France, resulting in 130 fatalities.
December
12th A global climate change pact is agreed at the COP 21 summit, committing all countries to reduce carbon emissions for the first time.
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Land and Housing Supply in Hong Kong December 9, 2015 By Christine Chan and Crystal Lai Design by Zoe Liu (PO) In light of the recent reports and focus on McRefugees, we decided to extend beyond this phenomenon to problems of land and housing supply in Hong Kong. Many homeless have been sheltering in McDonalds across Asia, and fortunately McDonalds have adopted an open and embracive attitude. However, unknown to many in Hong Kong, there is actually a ‘right to adequate housing’ stated under the International Bill of Human rights. This refers to having sufficient facilities, water and electricity, as well as keeping housing expenditure below 30% of income. There is a general misconception in Hong Kong that 地少人多 is the prime factor for shortages in housing supply. However,
reports show that land for residential purpose only account to 6.9% of land, while 66.5% of land are greenlands or mountains etc. Nonetheless, the situation is not as simple because many of the unexploited areas are actually not ideal for development, or simply too far from city centre, lacking transportation infrastructure and at a distance from Hong Kong’s economic hub. Therefore, Hong Kong does not lack land in terms of area. Rather, there is a shortage of land for development. With regards to shortages in housing supply, we adopted a comparative approach. We compared population density of Hong Kong and other major cities. We also looked into different housing units in Hong Kong, from subdivided units to rooftop houses, and watched videos that gave a more accurate and realistic representation. Our aim was to remind ourselves that although Hong Kong has
developed into a major financial city, it is important not to forget that not everyone is benefitted. There are still many suburbs that are underdeveloped. We conducted a mini quiz, to correspond locations that are new development areas and new towns. It revealed how some particular areas are actually less familiar to many, which shows the need for government to do more to develop these areas. Responding to tension in land supplies, the government needs to take more action. We discussed several approaches that are favourable. Apart from traditional plans of urban renewal and land reclamation, the government should re-assess land usage and to accelerate the building of infrastructure and transport in order to increase the potential of surrounding land. Furthermore, the government should attempt to achieve a more balanced ratio when allocating land
Land and Housing Supply in Hong Kong December 9, 2015 By Christine Chan and Crystal Lai Design by Zoe Liu (PO) In light of the recent reports and focus on McRefugees, we decided to extend beyond this phenomenon to problems of land and housing supply in Hong Kong. Many homeless have been sheltering in McDonalds across Asia, and fortunately McDonalds have adopted an open and embracive attitude. However, unknown to many in Hong Kong, there is actually a ‘right to adequate housing’ stated under the International Bill of Human rights. This refers to having sufficient facilities, water and electricity, as well as keeping housing expenditure below 30% of income. There is a general misconception in Hong Kong that 地少人多 is the prime factor for shortages in housing supply. However,
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reports show that land for residential purpose only account to 6.9% of land, while 66.5% of land are greenlands or mountains etc. Nonetheless, the situation is not as simple because many of the unexploited areas are actually not ideal for development, or simply too far from city centre, lacking transportation infrastructure and at a distance from Hong Kong’s economic hub. Therefore, Hong Kong does not lack land in terms of area. Rather, there is a shortage of land for development. With regards to shortages in housing supply, we adopted a comparative approach. We compared population density of Hong Kong and other major cities. We also looked into different housing units in Hong Kong, from subdivided units to rooftop houses, and watched videos that gave a more accurate and realistic representation. Our aim was to remind ourselves that although Hong Kong has
developed into a major financial city, it is important not to forget that not everyone is benefitted. There are still many suburbs that are underdeveloped. We conducted a mini quiz, to correspond locations that are new development areas and new towns. It revealed how some particular areas are actually less familiar to many, which shows the need for government to do more to develop these areas. Responding to tension in land supplies, the government needs to take more action. We discussed several approaches that are favourable. Apart from traditional plans of urban renewal and land reclamation, the government should re-assess land usage and to accelerate the building of infrastructure and transport in order to increase the potential of surrounding land. Furthermore, the government should attempt to achieve a more balanced ratio when allocating land
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between public and private housing. For example, in The Development North East New Territories, 80% of land is designated to private housing projects. Moreover, there needs to be more interaction and communication between the government and people, preventing
under-table practice. In conclusion, the awareness on ‘the right to adequate housing’ should be raised as it is an important fundamental human right. We should pay more attention and change our mindset that Hong Kong lacks land for development,
and not land in general. The government needs to take a more interventionist approach to solve land supply issues, in some cases compromising business and commercial development to a certain extent.
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貧富懸殊 December 25, 2015 By Claudia Wong Design by Zoe Liu (PO) 貧富懸殊，聽上去遠在咫 尺，其實往往發生在我們身 邊，只不過或許一直隱藏於 社區中的每個角落。因此， 這個星期的PA workshop，我 們便希望探討貧富懸殊這個 議題，從宏觀地看數據，從 微觀地看案例，深入剖析貧 富懸殊的成因和影響，更重 要的是提升我們對貧窮情況 的關注度。故此，除了一貫 的PowerPoint演示外，我們 還透過貧富宴使一眾同學能 切身地感受社會上的不均。 事實上，三十年前香港收入 最高的10%人是收入最低的 10%人的22倍，可是於 2014年已大幅升至59倍。 毋庸置疑，香港的貧富懸殊 越趨嚴重 。香港亦是多年 來一直成為亞洲中收入最不 平等的城市，堅尼系數一直 高企。這些數據，對一般人 而言或許過於抽象，用最近 流行的一種說法來表達，一 般香港家庭不吃不喝，也要 17年才能支付樓價，成功上 車。這些數據、這些情況好 像每年越趨嚴重，可是這次
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的PA workshop卻反映出很多 同學們對香港的貧窮情況仍 存在許多的誤解。 例如於問答遊戲中，同學們 屢次嘗試，但也得不到正確 答案的一條問題，便是貧窮 人口的地區分布。我們驚訝 地發現，全港家庭住戶月入 中位數最低的地區竟然是觀 塘區，而不是一般大家以為 的深水埗區或油尖旺區。此 現象，可能是因為劏房、天 台屋、籠屋都隱藏在工業大 廈或唐樓中，不受一般青少 年的關注，更遑論會去主動 地深入了解當中之情況。當 政府或媒體經常把貧窮問題 掛在口邊，市民卻沒有接收 到貧富懸殊這個議題，最精 確和最全面的資訊。 工資差距大，福利審批問 題，税制，經濟全球化，地 產霸權，一一都是貧富懸殊 的成因。於PA workshop的末 段，我們一起觀賞了一條名 為出路的短片，當中反映出 現時中國私立學校存在的各 種弊病，顯示出以教育脫
貧，仍存在許多的障礙和阻 滯，要解決貧富懸殊並非一 步登天之事。
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CDS-HKPASS DEBATE:
“One Country, Two Systems”
December 22, 2015 By Cody Wang, Raymond So and Janice Leung Design by Zoe Liu (PO) On the 30th of November, CDS and HKPASS hosted the first joint debate between the two societies, aiming to foster a better understanding about various issues between students from Mainland China and Hong Kong. The motion of the debate was, “It is in Mainland China’s own interest to continue the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ arrangement for Hong Kong in 2047”, with CDS as proposition and HKPASS as opposition. Both sides had half an hour to prepare their arguments, and all speakers performed well given the time constraints and degree of individual experience. The debate ended with a majority vote for the opposition. Here are the HKPASS debaters’ thoughts on the event! (Many thanks to the debaters from CDS, Eric Li (HKPASS), Matthew Cheung (HKPASS, CDS) and David Hu (CDS) for making this event possible.) Page 14
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Walking to school that Monday was particularly tough. Just recovering from a fever, my throat still hurt from the simple act of swallowing. It was an icing on top to face the whirling winds of London. But I decided to get out of bed and quench my illness because that was no simple Monday, it was the Monday of the friendly debate tournament between HKPASS and CDS.
CODY WANG
Bearing through the day, the hour struck and I, along with all the other debaters, met in the preparation room. Papers, with two motions printed on them, were handed to the teams. Discussion began followed by a vote, and eventually, the motion was set: It is in Mainland China’s own interest to continue the “One Country, Two Systems” arrangement for Hong Kong after 2047. CDS was the affirmative and HKPASS was the negative. We split into separate rooms and preparation began. Our team started by breaking down the motion into smaller definitions, contexts and proceeded into constructing arguments. We simultaneously offered challenges and counter-challenges in order to fortify the claims. When it was felt that the case was
almost ready, we split the arguments according to our speaker roles and headed into the arena. Game time. The debate began with a speech from the first speaker in the CDS team who introduced the motion. Subsequently, different speakers came and went. We offered points-of-information, picked out their logical gaps and argued our own positions…But to only see this is to only see the surface of a debate. The true beauty of this friendly exchange is the fact that the entire time, we had to consider in the shoes of a different stakeholder—Mainland China and her interests. Some of us are complete binaries towards the stakeholder, antagonized may be the more appropriate phrase. Such is the crux of debating, the true lesson only comes when we are willing to throw our biases aside and to see the other side of the coin, not just see it, but think like it and argue for it. And that I believe, is the real value in debating, an exercise for the openness of exchanges.
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The debate started rather peacefully. Both my teammates and the Chinese side pronounced their arguments decently. But then it was my turn. I started by making counter-arguments before I made my points on the internationalisation of the RMB, and then I ended my argument with some waffles. The Chinese side obviously spotted the ‘mediocracy’. One of them questioned my sincerity in honouring the role Hong Kong played in the context of the debate. ‘But the topic was about Page 16
China, not much about Hong Kong,’ I replied. Yet I got an awkward feeling straight after I uttered these words. The room, on the other hand, fell into silence as I went back to my seat. Yet the following speaker from the Chinese team broke this silence with an i m p a s s i o n e d counter-argument. His speech was nothing but emotionally exciting. We ended up in victory. But the fact that we the representatives of Hong Kong won a debate by arguing the case for China may court deep reflections. The single most important thing I learnt from this experience, however, is that even when you are made to speak for something that is different from how you see the world spin, it is of enormous significance that you do not get carried away from your views by that. After all, you do not live as a debater, you live as your own man.
RAYMOND SO
The debate was a fantastic experience. The excitement in my blood completely overwhelmed the slight inner anxiety in my heart, as I always enjoyed debates, especially the ones about political and economic affairs. And there went the debate – Cody, Janice and I represented HKPASS against our seemingly smart and well-prepared Chinese counterparts. The topic was provocatively intriguing: it is in China’s interest to maintain the ‘one country two systems’ arrangement after 2047. Interesting enough, the debate was conducted in such a way that we argued for the case of China, that is, the motion that it is not in China’s interest in maintain such an arrangement after 2047.
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JANICE LEUNG
I found this experience to be both intellectually stimulating and quite nerve-wracking, mainly because the topic is so controversial. Although I understand that the aim of the debate was to make the participants consider the issue from the viewpoint of those on the other side of the border, I actually agreed with our stance, that it is not in Mainland China’s own interest to continue ‘One Country, Two Systems’. Although I have considered the possibility of China continuing ‘One Country, Two Systems’, I felt that China’s internal instability would give the Chinese government enough incentive to remove a system that was both creating and allowing such agitation in Hong Kong, if only to show the rest of China it’s unquestionable authority. There are other reasons I think ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is unsustainable from the Chinese perspective, but that is the main one.
would be disagreements regarding the future of Hong Kong (and there were), but hearing the disagreements within the CDS team about the feasibility and appropriateness of democratizing China was quite an eye-opening experience for me. It’s an unfortunate prejudice, but I subconsciously group all Mainland Chinese into one, faceless mass of ‘Other’, despite knowing that they are individuals with different opinions. The first step to solving conflicts is to solve ignorance, to recognize and push aside biases and see things from other perspectives; I believe this debate served as that first step for me, and I endeavour to move forward from here on. Hopefully, others feel the same way.
Although the debate itself was very interesting, I felt that the best part was the open Q&A. Instead of each team needing to have just one strong argument, the individuals making up each team could speak their own mind. I expected that within the HKPASS team there Page 17
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2015
CHRISTMAS CONFERENCE
FUTURE OF THE Y GENERATION December 25, 2015 By Janice Leung Design by Zoe Liu (PO) Photos by Warwick HKPASS On the 20th of December, LSESU HKPASS, Warwick HKPASS and HKUSU Debating Society jointly hosted their annual Christmas Conference. This year’s theme was “「有危，必 有機」 - Future of the Y Generation: What are the Challenges and Opportunities Awaiting?”
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The conference consisted of two panels of distinguished speakers sharing their experiences and opinions on how the younger generation can overcome the challenges of the time. The first panel consisted of the Hon. Jasper Tsang (President of the Legislative Council), Ms Doris Leung (CEO of Diamond Cab HK Ltd.), Ms Amy Chan (Non-Executive Member of the HKSAR Commission on Poverty) and Mr Y. Y. Lam (Chinese Tutor at Beacon
College). To summarise the contents of this panel discussion, the focus was on how youngsters can develop both professionally and personally. Drawing from their personal experiences, they each gave advice regarding how the younger generation can attain success; by turning inspirations into aspirations, by persevering and overcoming obstacles, and by having a healthy dose of pragmatism and flexibility. Mr Tsang was very clear on his stance about the relationship between career and interests – they rarely match up, so instead of working doggedly to turn our interests into our careers, we should find new interests within our existing careers. Ms Leung recounted the story behind the establishment of Diamond Cab (HK), and how it blossomed from a simple wish to change her mother’s life into a fully operational and growing enterprise. Ms
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Chan spoke about how her competitive and post-retirement career has taught her to be unafraid to start from nothing, and the importance of having a solid foundation before moving forward. Mr Lam talked about his tutoring career and how the best thing students can do is to choose their battles wisely – to play to their strengths as well as their interests in an increasingly homogenised and competitive world.
factors play a much more important role in maintaining the divide – the inadequacy and hopelessness that those lower on the social ladder feel, the idea that “there’s no way I can do it”, has stayed the same over the decades. Ms Leung also pointed out that it is not so much that social mobility has decreased, but that the access to information has increased. The wealth divide
has become more visible rather than become wider. She also remarked that the younger generation, having grown up in an environment saturated with sensationalist ‘snippet’ news on the internet, have a tendency to take everything at face value. Together, they seemed to be saying that the wealth gap has never changed, and so the younger generation can only do the same thing as their generation did – work hard and take advantage of all opportunities. In response to a question about whether or not he supported students in protesting against Hong Kong’s social injustices, Mr Tsang said that he supported students becoming more active in Hong Kong’s political scene, but that he did not support their radical actions. Referring to the riots during the 1960s, he spoke about
Their answers to a question about how students can be more competitive in a world where the wealth gap is growing and personal connections seem to play a greater role in obtaining jobs were quite insightful. Mr Tsang talked about how the idea that social mobility was higher in the past is a myth because society has always been this unfair. He also said that psychological Page 19
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how today not everyone who participated in the riots feel that they did the right thing, and hopes that students will not do something they regret in the future. If they would like to protest, they could use different, more peaceful methods. Now the question is, what methods? What kind of protest will be high-profile enough to actually attract the government’s attention and force some kind of action, but will also be moderate enough to appeal to the general public? That is what students, and reformers in general, have to work towards. The second panel consisted of Mr Ronny Tong (Convenor of Path of Democracy), Mr Samuel Siu (Founder of Hanjuku Kobo) and Miss Michelle Lam (Founder and Managing Director of Spoilt). This Page 20
panel had a much greater focus on the birth of new ideas, on the creation of thoughts that may eventually transform into concrete action. Also drawing from their personal experiences, their advice had a lot to do with being creative, being bold, and being unafraid to challenge the status quo. Mr Siu shared the story of Hanjuku Kobo’s development, and Miss Lam
talked about the development of Spoilt. There was a distinctly business-oriented aspect to their talks, and they focused a lot on what made a successful enterprise or worker: being curious and innovative, being adaptable, and being consistent. It is not enough for graduates to simply be good listeners and to follow instructions; development only comes to those who bring something extra to the table. Miss Lam also had a very helpful table on “How to Conquer the Generation Y Stereotype”. This generation is commonly seen as a) high-maintenance, b) lazy and c) quick to change jobs. To combat these myths, she suggested that we a) find out the medium and frequency of communication between employee and employer, b) ask to be measured on outputs rather than inputs,
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and c) ask for challenges if you are feeling underutilised in the workplace. Mr Tong’s talk was more political, and focused on how the younger generation should get involved in politics. In his opinion, it is extremely beneficial to both Hong Kong society and individuals for the younger generation to voice their concerns and opinions, especially regarding Hong Kong’s political and economic future. However, he implored youngsters to keep an open mind about Hong Kong’s development, and talked about how Hong Kong’s political fracturing should not drag its economic development in the mud as well. He emphasised that political reform and democracy is not the final goal, but only a means to ensure Hong Kong’s continued stability and prosperity; if youngsters undertake certain actions
that are setbacks to this goal, then they should stop and think carefully about what they are doing.
participate in the event, and the organising committee for arranging everything.
Overall, all speakers provided valuable advice to the younger generation on how they can strive towards their goals and what kind of mindset they should hold when approaching the uncertainties of the future. Many thanks to all the speakers who took time out of their busy schedules to
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CHRISTMAS SERVICE 2015 December 26th, 2015 By Tiffany Yau Design by Zoe Liu (PO)
This voluntary opportunity of caring and serving children helped foster my empathy and compassion towards children with specific learning disabilities, and instil my sense of social commitmenta and responsibility. Paying attention to how the counsellor from Pathways who led and guided us along the whole service, I am more aware of and sensitive to the feelings and needs of these children. I have known more
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about the kind of care and support that we could offer them. I did not have a chance to interact with children with learning difficulties before, and I have gained a better understanding of these children and how to reach out to them. Through playing games with the children, I really hoped that we have warmed their hearts and brought joy to them. I was particularly contented at the end when the children said they felt happy with more people involving in their games. I found this service experience very meaningful and enriching not only because we have provided entertainment to the
children, but I have regained innocence and found happiness within. The sense of satisfaction and achievement from helping people in need has always been rewarding. Besides fulfilling our civil responsibilities and giving back to the community, we can also enjoy ourselves in it. “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.� As an ending note, I think that we could all make a difference by simply spare a little time, lend a helping hand or show kindness to others.
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Where to Watch the 2015 New Year’s Eve Fireworks
HILLS
The views from Parliament Hill (for pre-firework drinks we recommend a warming ale or cider at the Southampton Arms) are impressive, and although the fireworks are happening some miles off, there are plenty of posh people in the vicinity who'll be letting off their own rockets — cop an eyeful without paying a penny. We know you're smart enough to wrap up warm/bring a hip flask of brandy.
IN THE CITY
BRIDGES
Tower Bridge (for drinks try the Dickens Inn — not the best pub but at least it's roomy), Southwark Bridge (The Lord Nelson) offers fantastic river views outside the ticketed area, but prepare to get there early (and remember Millennium Bridge will be closed). Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge will be less rammed as they're further away from the action. That said, once the fireworks are done, you can easily decant to cool parties afterwards, such as Camp NYE at the Eagle in Vauxhall.
Cannon Street (go for a pre-fireworks craft beer Pelt Trader) and Monument (the spacious Crosse Keys Wetherpoon is cavernous and the drinks are cheap) are popular destinations though you'll be giving up your personal space for proximity to the fireworks. Or just go to a party instead. Whatever you do, don't settle for the Hootenanny. You're better than the Hootenanny. Page 30
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new year’s day parade what? where? who?
WHAT?
WHERE?
Over 10,000 performers take part in the parade which began in 1987. It attracts a whopping half a million spectators to London's streets and has raised over a million pounds for charity since its inception. Alongside the parade itself you can hear bands and orchestras play a series of concerts between 29 December-2 January at venues in central London. All are chargeable and need booking, except the preview concert which takes place in Trafalgar Square on 30 December at 1pm.
The parade begins midday and finishes in Parliament Square at 3.30pm. The procession starts off outside The Ritz on Piccadilly, heading north east to Piccadilly Circus before turning south down Regent Street (St James), along Pall Mall and through Trafalgar Square, before it goes down Whitehall and finishes up in Parliament Square. Check the website map to follow the route. We reckon Piccadilly Circus could be a good, if busy, place to stand, otherwise try the corner of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall. For the first 22 years of the parade's existence, the route was the reverse of what it is now; it was flipped in 2009. The main reason for the change was to please US TV broadcasters, whose viewers get a better view of key London landmarks this way around.
WHO?
Expect to see plenty of American high school marching bands and cheerleading squads which highlight that ever special relationship between Britain and the USA. Though the website boasts of "twice as many participants every year as a little Parade offered by Macy’s in New York City on Thanksgiving Day!" so we think there's an element of competition here too. This year 17 boroughs are taking part in the annual Boroughs Competition which invites all London boroughs to enter a float or entertainment act along a specific theme. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the parade this year's theme is 30 magical years. Find out what they'll be judged on here. Keep a look out for all your favourite superheroes and magical characters plus multicoloured ensemble All the Queen's Horses, miniature steamers for charity, and giant magical balloons. (here's the full list of participants).
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The ďŹ rst step towards change is awareness. - Nathaniel Branden
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LSESU HKPASS is a politically neutral society and any views expressed belong entirely to the author themselves.