Yichang’s “Three Festivals” that have lasted for one week comes to a successful close.
The programs of “Three Festivals” were not showed indoors but in communities, villages and schools, which enabled the citizens enjoy domestic and overseas art at close distance.
This is not only a audio-visual feast, but a peculiar culture feast for citizens. Lu Zhan, Vice Chairman of CPPCC, said that Yichang’s “Three Festivals” brings a new way to hold festival activities.
Only one third of the previous budget money was used for the international-level “Three Festivals”
Yichang’s “Three Festivals” were planned to be celebrated respectively in September, October and November, but in consideration of frugality, the total expense of the “Three Festivals” was reduced two thirds by merging three opening ceremonies to only one and canceling over 10 repetitive activities, such as fireworks, water curtain, fountain, high-altitude concerts and invited top notch stars.
Though the cost was reduced, the “Three Festivals” were still of international-level.
Jin Xiaoyu, the compere of the opening ceremony, was from France. Her nifty hosting style and fluent Chinese gave the audience deep impression. American actors were amazed at the stage lighting, they captured the light beam and constantly said “wonderful”. Programs performed by 13 foreign art troupes were all splendid.
The “Three Festivals” adhered to market operation.
Through competitive bidding, Hubei Guojingnong Culture Media Company hosted the opening ceremony; enterprises took charge of street decorations; Parsons Music Limited undertook all activities of the piano music festival.
Foreign artists interacted with citizens.
The saved money was invested in mass cultural activities. It was the first time for Yichang to invite foreign actors to give free performance for citizens in schools, communities and villages. On September 15, Ballroom Dance Regiment from America Utah State University performed in China Three Gorges University; on September 16, Pakistan’s National Art Troupe went to walking street to communicate with community Waist Drum Group; on September 17, artists from 13 countries had show tour at scenic spots such as Three Gorges Dam, Three Gorges Folk Custom Tourist Site and Qingjiang River Gallery; on September 18, artists had show tour at Jiandong Village in Zigui, Chexi Village in Dianjun District and Three Gorges Great Falls; on September 19, Chinese and foreign artists had a get-together with citizens at Yiling Square.
They interacted with citizens in every activity. Americans taught Yichang people ballroom dance while the locals taught Americans Bashan Dance; Pakistani added Chinese folk song Jasmine into flute solo, Yichang people performed dances such as Lotus Gathering Boat and Yangge Dance; when Ethiopian artists performed African country dance, a Yichang man bravely went to the stage to show his dance, etc. Before the opening of the “Three Festivals”, plenty of literature and art leaders went to associations to give training, providing associations with display chance. Drum and Waist Drum of Xiling District and Folk Symphony Orchestra also presented at the “Three Festivals”. Tourism year cards were given away to poverty-stricken people so that those people could enjoy foreign artists’show tour in scenic spots for free.
Making Yichang More Attractive
The compere Jin Xiaoyu said, “Yichang is a charming city and the air is fresh. I envy those who run in forests and want to join them instantly. Yichang people are very lucky.” Minister-counsellor <app:ds:minister-counsellor> of Spain Embassy Marta said, “we have witnessed the hospitality of Yichang people and we will tell others about it”. Chairman of Chinese Business Chamber of Canada Lü Zhongxiu described Yichang’s change is shocking. She said that they want to introduce Canada’s wooden house and make it “Lujiazui” at the Three Gorges Area.
Except for beautiful natural scenery, the trace of Yichang people’s efforts can be found everywhere. The beautiful, peaceful and vigorous city enables people to feel the power of boom and modernization. The “Three Festivals” have vigorously improved Yichang’s influence and attraction. On the investment symposium, investment volume carried by 53 project agreements is over 100 billion RMB. (Hubei Daily Reporters Luo Xuwen, Tang Yigui and Huang Lu， Correspondents Cai Junting and Ding Yuanguo) (Initially carried out on the front page of Hubei Daily on September 23, 2013)