Hong Kong celebrates National Day with fireworks extravaganza

Hongkongers and tourists have packed promenades on both sides of Victoria Harbour hours before Thursday’s National Day fireworks, braving the scorching heat.

By mid-afternoon, photography enthusiasts, tourists and residents had claimed spots along the harbour, settling in for the hours-long wait with umbrellas, folding chairs and picnic mats.

Authorities expected the 23-minute extravaganza to draw 260,000 people.

With the sun beating down, revellers braved the heat to secure the best views of the display, which was due to start at 8pm.