Tough cookies brave heights at Hong Kong bun festival

HONG KONG - Tens of thousands gathered in Hong Kong on Wednesday for one of its most colorful festivals, a whirlwind of music and costume culminating in a dramatic climb up a precipitous "bun tower".

Pipers, drummers and lion dancers accompanied by a cacophony of cymbals filled the streets of the normally sleepy island of Cheung Chau, as part of the annual "bun festival" parade.

Young children in intricate outfits - posing as deities, local sporting heroes and even politicians - gave the impression of floating above the crowds as they were wheeled around on high pedestals.