Patong Carnival to go ahead
PATONG: Despite the gloom brought on by the enforcement of early closing hours, sparking plans to stage a mass protest next Tuesday and possibly even close all entertainment venues indefinitely from that date, the 19th Patong Carnival is still on track to run from November 1 to 3, marking the beginning of the 2004-2005 high season for tourism.
This year’s activities will take place in two zones: Soi Bangla, which will be closed to vehicular traffic throughout; and in the public area along Patong Beach, near the police box. Stages set up in both locations will feature full schedules of entertainment every night.
The highlight will be a parade on November 1 starting at 6 pm on Prachanukhro Rd, turning right onto Thaweewong Rd; right again onto Soi Bangla and ending at a stage erected near the eastern end of Soi Bangla.
At 7 pm on Soi Bangla there will be a sound-and-light show by Charles Brown Entertainment, a cheerleader show, music, dancing and cocktail mixing demonstrations.
Other events on November 1 include:
8 am: Beachside merit-making ceremony;
9 am: Beach clean up;
9 am: Soi Bangla Walking Street (booths set up, OTOP product sales, etc);
10 am: “Diving for Trash” competition at Patong Beach;
10 am: “Oil on Canvas” art exhibition by 19 top Phuket artists;
11 am: Batik-making exhibition;
2:30 pm: Demonstrations of shadow puppet making and foot massage;
3:00 pm: Longtail boat racing;
7 pm: Beachside stage show;
7:45: Concert by DJ Dedduang Thamangraksat;
8:15: Charity auction of paintings, batik, etc;
9 pm – midnight: Concert at beachside stage.
Events on the following days will include:
November 2
9am: mini-marathon (starts on Thaweewong Rd)
6pm – midnight: Stage shows presented by Planet Concert Hall, Jammin’ Pub, Simon Cabaret, Stonesoul, X-Zone and Dance Factory, and magic show by Michael Fox Entertainment (Soi Bangla).
November 3
9 am: Beach soccer tournament
6 pm – midnight: Stage Shows presented by Timber Hut, GT Studio, RCA Pub, Dance Factory and Tangmo Bar.
For a complete listing of events or more information contact K. Man (Tel: 01-5842529) or K. Kanchalika (Tel: 09-6497027; 09-4745254) at BMS Event Organizers.
