The upcoming New Year's Eve concert will allow attendants to wear traditional ethnic outfits besides formal Western suits and dresses, said Guangzhou's Xinghai Music Hall, organizer of the event.

A Xinghai official said those in casual clothes would be denied entry to the concert, but she did not specify what "traditional ethnic" was. The Japanese kimono and the Indian sari were acceptable, she said, while refusing to comment on the acceptability of the Chinese cheongsam.

The organizers also announced that they would rent out suits and dresses at the entrance on the night of the concert to ensure guests "get dressed and enjoy the performance."

The music hall said the New Year's concert is the only occasion that the formal dressing ordinance is tightened. "We've already make allowances for music lovers who prefer leisurewear all year round," an organizer said. "They should show some respect to the musicians at this special occasion."

A resident surnamed Xu said formal evening dresses were too expensive, and could only be used for very few occasions. She suggested the music hall allow people to wear cheongsams and suits besides tailcoats and evening dresses.

Another resident said the music mall was unreasonable in requiring ladies to wear formal dresses. "The music hall is not carpeted from the stairs. Does it mean the trail of dresses will sweep the floors?" he asked.

Editor: Donald