Fans of the time-travelling robot cat Doraemon on Saturday got a sneak preview of a forthcoming exhibition, as crowds gathered along Victoria Harbour for the world's first-ever drone show devoted to the beloved Japanese animated character.

The display lasted for more than 10 minutes with large crowds filling the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Some people that RTHK spoke to said that the drone show was exciting, while others thought it was a little too short.

Saurabh Agarwal said he really enjoyed the accompanying sound and picture performance with his friends.

"It was fantastic. We waited for more than an hour, and it was worth the wait. We actually missed the last show for drones," he said.

"This time we just came early to get a good place. This was fantastic and it was the first time I see drones in Hong Kong so I was very excited."

"I really enjoyed it. It was brilliant. The drones performed brilliantly. I don't know anything about the cartoon character, but I really enjoyed the show," said Debra Gergson, who is visiting Hong Kong on vacation.

Puneet Brar said she wished the show could have been longer.

"We really enjoyed the show and the graphics. It was an amazing production. I wish it was a little longer because I was enjoying myself a lot," she said.

"I thought it was really special and unique. You just can't see a drone show everyday."

Earlier in the morning, visitors got to see dozens of huge models from the series at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun.

A woman, surnamed Chan, was among those who went to see the Doraemon figures.

"This is so cute. The character is part of the childhood memories of many people, so it's very attractive," she said.

"It would be nice to have a longer exhibition or displays around different parts of Hong Kong... so that adults and kids can all come and take photos."

Free Doraemon balloons were also handed out in several busy districts in Hong Kong, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Central, with most of them distributed in about two hours.

The full exhibition, the first stop on a global tour and also listed on the government's "mega events calendar," gets under way on July 13 and runs until August 4, featuring a special animated short film.

S K Lam from the event organiser said the film depicts one of the characters, Gian, mostly known for being an aggressive bully in the series, holding a concert in Hong Kong.

The film will be part of the paid exhibition, but fans can also visit large-scale figures of Doraemon for free at the Avenue of Stars.