Tag: family

Sixth Great European Carnival Opening Weekend

The AIA Great European Carnival returns to Central Harbourfront for the sixth year to bring excitement and joy to one and all.

There is nothing quite like wandering the midway with family or friends to bring a smile to one’s face.  This year’s carnival runs until the 16 February 2020 and features rides, games and the Great Circus of Europe.

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https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2019/Great-European-Carnival-2019/i-XrMwpJD

Images: bc magazine, Ai Va So photography

Opening Night Cocktails @ AIA Carnival – 14 December, 2018

To celebrate the opening of the Fifth AIA Carnival at Central Harbourfront, organisers The Great European Carnival hosted a cocktail party for sponsors, friends and supporters. This year’s carnival runs until the 17 February 2019 and features rides, games and Great Circus of Europe.
Click on any photo for the full gallery of images.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2018/AIA-Carnival-Cocktails-14-December-2018/i-gVgLTHt

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AIA Great European Carnival Final Week

It’s your last chance this week to the enjoy The AIA Great European Carnival and The Great Circus of Europe at the Central Harbourfront as both close this weekend before returning new and refreshed in December.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-6BVq6nK

Only a few more days to demonstrate your skill at the many games and challenges along the midway. Thrill to rides like the Extreme (remix Orbitor), Capriolo and the KMG Booster or enjoy the classics such the carousel, spinning coaster and the wave swing.  And of course there’s the sublime dodgems… drive away your frustrations and enjoy the Year of the Dog.

If you haven’t been already you’ve missed out on the unique Circus Big Top experience which includes the hire wire Gerlings,  motorcycles in a cage and the space wheel…

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-zsKd3kX

The AIA Great European Carnival + The Great Circus of Europe
Date: 21 December, 2017 – 25 February, 2018
Venue: Central Harbourfront
Tickets: $130, $40

Food at the Fair

The fairground midway is all about fun and excitement, sometimes though it’s nice to take a break, grab a bite and a drink and soak up the merriment.

The food offerings at last year’s Great European Carnival were pretty gross all told. This year several restaurants are running the show including Maverick’s, Cafe Siam and f&b company  Color Chacha. There are also two candy floss and popcorn stands for all ages to enjoy. Beer is $50 for a cup. There are no water fountains on the midway

Color Chacha’s stuffed waffle Imagawayaki ($20) are available in double cheese, Hokkaido creamy custard, matcha and banana and chocolate and are very tasty. They are also offering a range of colourful fruit and sweet drinks.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-jxTgh7z

Scorhios naan bread pizza is tasty but pretty pricey at $110 for a pizza that is less than 12 inches. Individual 1/4 pizza slices are $30. Flavours include Peps and Roni’s, The Fun Guys and Marge & Ritas.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-9cmxHp7

Mavericks from Pui o Beach are offering a range of sandwiches including Double Cheeseburger ($70), pulled pork ($60), smoked brisket ($70).

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While the baked potatoes ($50) are good, but again once you start adding toppings at $10 each the price shoots up.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-FxJ9nLf

Great European Carnival Opening Night @ Central Harbourfront – 21 December, 2017

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The Great European Carnival has returned to the Central Harbourfront complete with a big top circus, concerts and a wide range of new rides, games and food to keep all the family entertained until the 25 February, 2018.

bc was there on opening night to catch all the early fun. Click on any photo for the full gallery of images.

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The Great European Carnival

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The Great European Carnival returns to the Central Harbourfront this winter from the 16th December 2016 – 12th February 2017. As well as games, thrilling rides the midway this year will again feature a stage with a wide range of entertainment.

The Great European Carnival
Date: 16 December, 2016 – 12 February, 2017
Venue: Central Harbourfront
Tickets: $125

The Great European Carnival @ Central Harbourfront

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Great-European-Carnival/i-KNprRL2

The Great European Carnival returns to the Central Harbourfront today for a three month residency. Unlike last year’s inaugural event which took several weeks for all the rides to open, this year’s carnival is almost fully formed – courtesy of seven months of liaison with the relevant departments to get safety and fire certificates etc approved.
The midway is far more engaging this year, there’s more energy, rides and games are closer together and better distributed through the fairground. Compared to last year there are several more rides and a better mix. A couple of new rides are the log flume and the rollercoaster. For those who love to scream, last year’s favourites remain so bring something for those vocal chords! There’s a considerably smaller ice-rink, while the dodgems are still the most legal fun you can have impersonating a HK taxi/minibus driver.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Great-European-Carnival/i-tx8pGcd

This year’s food court is more compact and right next to the stage area (in the centre of the carnival) so you can sit and eat while enjoying whatever’s on the stage. Castelo Catering, the sole food concessionaire, is again offering big pans of paella ($40) curry and rice ($60), pizza ($60) kebabs ($60/$70) burgers and noodles. Portions sizes are good and while it could never be called gourmet it’s certainly edible and negates any need to bring your own food. Look out to for the English fudge shop, 3 chunks for $30. There’s a distinct lack of places to buy drinks, so on a sunny day bring some water.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Great-European-Carnival/i-gB7fzQQ

Rides and games are paid for in tokens, and as last year a token costs $10. Food, drinks etc are cash only.

This year’s GEC is a noticeable improvement on last year, even the ‘grass’ is better… But a few unsolvable kinks remain. It’s gonna be busy, so enjoy the queues! The games staff are salaried so there’s no ‘barking’ and hustle as they tout for your business. It would undoubtably be complicated to institute an individual commission system but it would incentivise away the apathy and maybe energise the game staff.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Great-European-Carnival/i-ksgn9GJ

Great European Carnival
Date: 11am-11pm, 17 December 2015 – 21 February 2016
Venue: Central Harbourfront
Tickets: $125