Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong have been gathering for potentially the biggest rallies of their campaign so far - as China celebrates National Day.
There was little sign of momentum flagging on the sixth day of the demonstrations against the Chinese decision to limit voters' choices in the 2017 leadership election.
This was despite fears police may use force to move crowds before the start of events marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
The crowds have brought large sections of Hong Kong's financial hub to a standstill, disrupting businesses from banks to jewellers.
Overnight thunder, lightning and heavy rain failed to dampen spirits as protesters sought shelter under covered walkways, while police in raincoats and hats looked on passively.
Beijing says the demonstrations, which began last Friday, are illegal and has called on the protesters to disperse.
They in turn have called on Hong Kong's chief executive Leung Chun-Ying to stand down.
Riot police used tear gas, pepper spray and baton charges at the weekend to try to quell the unrest but tensions have since eased.
Protests have spread from four main areas to Tsim Sha Tsui, one of the city's most popular shopping areas for mainland Chinese.
Underlining nervousness among some activists, Hong Kong University students made an online appeal not to disturb the flag-raising ceremony that began at 8am.
It went ahead peacefully, although scores of students who ringed the event in Golden Bauhinia Square booed as the national anthem was played and chanted "We want real democracy".
"We hope that all sectors of the community will work with the government in a peaceful, lawful, rational and pragmatic manner," Mr Leung said.
Oscar Lai, a spokesman for the student group Scholarism, said: "We are not celebrating the 65th anniversary of China.
"With the present political turmoil in Hong Kong and the continued persecution of human rights activists in China, I think today is not a day for celebrations, but rather a day of sadness."
Prime Minister David Cameron told Sky News he was "deeply concerned" about the situation in the former British colony and hoped it could be resolved.
Deputy PM Nick Clegg summoned the Chinese ambassador in the UK to express his "dismay and alarm" about the handling of the protests.
"It is essential that the people of Hong Kong have a genuine choice of chief executive in 2017, through universal suffrage," Mr Clegg said.
China, meanwhile, has warned the international community not to "interfere".
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