The aftermath of a devastating fire in Tai Po, which claimed the lives of at least 55 individuals, has led to the cancellation and critical modification of several high-profile public events across Hong Kong, signaling a period of collective mourning and resource redirection. Amid ongoing search and rescue operations that may push the casualty count higher, organizers of key cultural, charitable, and entertainment gatherings initiated changes just over 24 hours after the calamity. The widespread adjustments affect major weekend plans, reflecting sensitivity to the crisis and a unified effort to support the affected community.
The immediate response from event organizers focused on respecting the tragedy while ensuring government and emergency services could allocate full resources to the disaster zone.
Major Cancellations and Postponements
Several large-scale public gatherings were promptly called off or postponed:
- Oxfam Trailwalker 2025: The annual fundraising hiking event, scheduled for November 28–30, was canceled. Oxfam announced it would donate all public funds gathered for this year’s event directly to aid residents affected by the Tai Po fire. The cancellation was explicitly made to free up government resources.
- Arts in the Park Night Parade: The Standard Chartered Arts in the Park, an annual performance organized by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation and set for November 29-30, was canceled entirely. Official statements did not include information regarding a potential rescheduling.
- Hong Kong Disneyland Events: Several special promotional events tied to the upcoming Zootopia 2 film, including an evening gala premiere and a special screening for Magic Access members, were postponed or canceled. Furthermore, the scheduled appearance of Hong Kong star Joey Yung and tonight’s “Momentous: Party in the Night Sky” light and drone show were removed from the entertainment schedule. Guests who visited the park on November 27 are being offered a complimentary future visit within six months.
- Concert Postponements: Emperor Entertainment announced the postponement of three concerts scheduled at MacPherson Stadium between November 28 and 30: Arvin Tsang’s “Lunatique,” Angela Hui’s “Glowing Tour,” and Ken Hung’s “Explorer Live Tour.” New dates are expected soon.
- Ticket Sale Delay: Singer Jace Chan postponed the general public ticket sale for her upcoming “Jace World” concert, originally starting on November 28, citing that the current environment was an unsuitable time for such an event. The concert itself, scheduled for February 2026, is currently set to proceed.
- Political Activities: Several public forums and political campaigning events related to the December 7 elections were suspended or canceled out of respect for the disaster victims.
Events Proceed with Modifications
Some high-profile events determined to move forward, electing instead to reduce fanfare and integrate solemn acknowledgments:
- MAMA Awards 2025: The major South Korean music ceremony will proceed, as many artists have already arrived in Hong Kong. However, the tone will be significantly subdued. All pyrotechnics and fire-related special effects have been removed from performances and stage designs to demonstrate respect for the city. Organizers confirmed that high-profile presenters Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh will still attend, but the opening ceremony will feature a minute of silence, and the script will be altered to “offer comfort” to those impacted by the fire. The scheduled red carpet event for November 28 was canceled.
- Miriam Yeung’s Concert: Cantopop star Miriam Yeung’s “LIVE MY LIVE 2025” concert series, running from November 29 to December 2 at the Hong Kong Coliseum, will continue due to production constraints. However, all pyrotechnic effects have been eliminated. Yeung confirmed that the proceeds from the concert’s first night, along with all merchandising profits, will be donated to local fundraising efforts supporting victims.
These widespread adjustments underscore a civic commitment to mourning and recovery. Residents are advised to verify schedules before attempting to attend any large-scale events this weekend. The collective response demonstrates a clear prioritization of crisis management, community support, and dignified remembrance during an exceptionally difficult period for Hong Kong.