More than 300 audience and performers danced to the rhythm of the Latin American beat at the University Circle, as the World City Cultural Night extravaganza drew to its finale. Held on 9 March in the Wei Hing Theatre, the extravaganza brought into the limelight an array of multi-cultural performances such as Scottish bagpipes, Australian songs, Indian dance, American jazz, Chinese music, English folkdance, Latin salsa and African drums, all under the theme of "Love and Harmony". It marked the opening of the CityU Cultural Festival 2002.

The extravaganza kicked off with a "Bridge-the-Oceans" ceremony officiated by guest speaker Professor Leo Lee of Harvard University, President H K Chang and Professor Y S Wong, Vice-President (Institutional Advancement) and Chairman of CityU's Cultural and Sports Committee. "Dialogue is most important in establishing love and harmony," said Professor Lee, echoing the night's theme. "Technology without soul is only a tool," President Chang commented in his welcome speech. He said he hoped that cultural events like the World City Cultural Night would contribute to promoting love and harmony among people and nations.

CityU staff and students shine in many of the performances.

Two academic staff from the Department of Biology and Chemistry, Dr Bruce Richardson and Dr Desmond "'Toole, respectively, played the Scottish bagpipes and recited Australian verse. Dr Kenneth Rose, from the Department of English and Communication, was a member of the Jazz Trio. Two groups of students in colourful oriental costumes danced to Thai and Indian music; another group demonstrated the "Power of Your Love" using sign language. And the CCIV Chinese Music Group played two pieces: "Vibrant with Joy" and "Bow Dance".

Excitement reached a peak as masters of ceremony Mr Dino Mahoney and Ms Regina Ku announced the evening's finale: a dance party under the stars, the Latin American music courtesy of the Andes Art Company. The audience moved out to the University Circle and danced the night away.