An estimated 1,400 spectators turned up to watch the bun scrambling competition early on Saturday, as the contest returned for the first time since the pandemic.

Twelve finalists climbed the tower to gather as many buns as they could within three minutes. The contest was held at the soccer pitch at Pak Tai Temple Playground.

In the men's individual contest, Chung Yuk-chuen was the champion with 954 marks, Yip Kin-man was first runner up with 804, and Wong Chi-kit was second runner up with 628.

In the women's event, Wong Ka-yan was the champion, with 684. Wong, a three-time champion since 2016, was named the first Queen of Queens.

Six local Cheung Chau organisations were invited to take part in the Bun Scrambling Invitation Relay. The three-member teams competed in the relay, which was held immediately after the individual competition.

The winner of "Full Pockets of Lucky Buns" was Lai Wai-chun, with 121.

The Cheung Chau Bun Festival originated as a ritual for people to pray for safety from a plague.

Earlier, Sun Ferry said 43,300 visitors had travelled from Central to Cheung Chau until 8pm.

In a break with tradition, the landmark 40-foot tall bamboo towers were replaced by three drawings after a contractor told the organiser that it could not build the towers, blaming a lack of manpower.