AIA Carnival is Back: Get Ready For the Fun of the Fair

AIA Carnival is coming back this December, and this year it’s even bigger and better than ever before.

The acrobats are limbering up and the rides are packed and ready (and currently making their way across the sea), which can only mean one thing. For a fifth year running, the annual AIA Carnival will be taking over the Central Harbourfront Event Space. It’s always a great day (or evening) out, so we’re already planning our visit. The only thing you need to worry about is whether you’ve left yourself enough time to fit in everything on offer. With the organiser’s promising even more futuristic sights, sounds and tech this year, you certainly won’t be short of options (or photo opportunities, for that matter).

Prepare to be wowed by the Great Circus of Europe. The performers have been flown over from the UK and include acrobats, The Rubber Man and one of the world’s only female clowns. You may need to cover your eyes as you watch The Strong Man being run over by a three tonne truck, or as you realise the aerial flyers are hanging above the circus ring, suspended only by their teeth (eek)! The shows will run 2 to 4 times a day from Tuesdays to Sundays – don’t miss out!

Of course no carnival is ever complete without games and toys, and there are plenty of opportunities to win oversized, stuffed animals at the gaming booths. You can choose from options including using an air cannon to blast cans off shelves, shooting hoops or even using wiggle wires (you’ll need a steady hand as you guide the loop along trying not to trigger the alarm). There are also a number of new toy prizes for games that have been introduced this year such as Baby Groot, Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ready for the rides? There are heaps to choose from (catering for both more adventurous thrill-seekers, and those with a more nervous disposition), as well as live entertainment and selfie boards. Oh wait, how did we forget to mention the food? If previous years are anything to go by, you certainly won’t go hungry. The offerings are being overseen by Hong Kong celebrity chef Christian Yang (also fittingly known as the culinary magician) who’s introducing a special range of carnival eats which we’re already looking forward to trying.

The carnival opens to the public in December and runs all the way through to the middle of February, so there’s no excuse to miss out. Plus if you visit www.tgec.asia, the official website, you’ll be able to make savings on advance ticket purchases. There’s an even wider variety of ticket bundles on option this year, giving you a lot more choice and flexibility, so grab your friends and get booking.

Sassy Perk: Book online before the Carnival opens to receive up to $10 off Carnival tickets. On top of that, use the promo code “CIRCUS10” to receive up to 10% off Circus tickets. *Circus tickets are sold separately from Carnival tickets, check online for details. Discount is only applicable to VIP Ring, Premium and Standard tickets.

Where: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, 2524 6433, info@tgec.asia
When: Friday, 14 December 2018 – Sunday, 17 February 2019 (except Friday, 11 January)
How much: $120 for adult advance ticket (which includes 10 tokens), $85 for concessions** advance ticket (which includes 7 tokens), $300 for a token bundle (includes one free entry as well as 30 tokens).
**Concession pricing applies to those aged between 3 and 11 years and disabled persons. Those who are 65+ and children aged 3 and below are permitted to enter for free.