The overall organizational structure of the Festival was two-tiered -- the central level and the district level.

The subcommittees under the Steering Committee were in charge of planning and organizing the large-scale activities; these included the Traditional Procession on Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Grand Procession, the Fiesta in the Central District, the Festival Pageant and the Military Tattoo.

Centrally organized programmes included also colony-wide activities mounted by government departments such as the Fire Float Display and rescue demonstrations by the Fire Department, Games Rallies organized by the Social Welfare Department in different districts; the Education Department’s School Rallies and an Agricultural Show by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department. Each department was responsible for contacting schools and organizing students to participate in competitions and performances.

Activities Committee also mobilized social organizations to hold activities according to their special interests, e.g. sports groups held sports demonstrations or competitions, groups of Ikebana demonstrated flower arrangements and art groups organized art competitions. Such a strategy ensured diversity.

Most of the centrally-organized activities took place in large and centrally-located venues that could accommodate large audiences and draw people from the whole city. Thus, the grand procession was held in Edinburgh Place and Wanchai on Hong Kong Island, and in Kowloon Peninsula, it took place along Nathan Road. Outdoor carnivals were staged in Statue Square and Edinburgh Place, next to the Star Ferry pier. Variety shows were held in Victoria Park, Kowloon Park and Morse Park, etc. Sports events were held in the Government Stadium, MacPherson Stadium, Southorn Stadium and Boundary Street Sports Grounds, etc. Exhibitions were held at City Hall and the several large parks. As for stage performances, most were held in the Concert Hall and Theatre in City Hall.