Journeys Within Travel Blog

Following a devastating blaze in Tai Po, Hong Kong is experiencing a significant pause in entertainment and public activities this weekend as the city collectively grieves and emergency crews prioritize rescue and relief operations. The fire has tragically claimed 94 lives, a figure authorities warn is likely to increase as the complex search continues. This profound tragedy has prompted immediate widespread cancellations and modifications of major public gatherings, shifting the city’s focus entirely toward recovery and commemoration. Residents are advised to confirm the status of all planned outings before leaving home over the coming days.

Major Events Curtailed Due to Citywide Crisis

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and numerous organizers have swiftly adjusted schedules out of respect for the victims and to ensure government departments have maximal capacity for relief work.

The launch of the Immersive Light Show in Central, a highlight of the Hong Kong Winterfest celebration, has been called off. Originally slated to begin November 28 and run through early January, the HKTB has yet to announce new dates for the large-scale projection event.

Similarly, the Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Cyclothon, a key sporting event scheduled for November 30, has been cancelled outright by the HKTB. This decision directly supports the redirection of logistical and security resources toward the affected community.

The fundraising hike Oxfam Trailwalker, which engaged thousands over three days, has also been called off. In a move reflecting the crisis, Oxfam announced via social media that the public funds already gathered for this year’s event would be donated to support displaced Tai Po residents.

In the arts sphere, the annual Arts in the Park Night Parade in Causeway Bay, organized by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, will not proceed. The two-day event, initially set for November 29 and 30, has been cancelled with no immediate plans for rescheduling. Additionally, several shows at MacPherson Stadium, including concerts by Arvin Tsang, Angela Hui, and Ken Hung between November 28 and 30, have been postponed, with new schedules pending announcement.

Modified Events and Individual Adjustments

While many events have been cancelled, some high-profile gatherings are proceeding with significant modifications to reflect the somber atmosphere.

The MAMA Awards 2025, the large-scale South Korean music awards ceremony, is continuing as planned due to the imminent arrival of international artists and pre-existing commitments. However, organizers are toning down the usual celebratory atmosphere. Adjustments include the elimination of pyrotechnics and flame-like special effects from stage designs. The pre-show red carpet event scheduled for November 28 has been cancelled, and the opening of the show will feature a moment of silence to honor the fire victims. Despite early rumors, organizers confirmed that film luminaries Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh will still appear, playing roles adjusted to offer “comfort” to affected residents.

Cantopop star Miriam Yeung’s ‘Live My Live 2025’ concert series at the Hong Kong Coliseum will continue, but all pyrotechnic effects have been removed. Significantly, Yeung confirmed that all proceeds from the first night’s ticket sales and all merchandising profits will be dedicated to local fundraising initiatives supporting the crisis response.

Hong Kong Disneyland has also made adjustments. Promotional events for the new Zootopia 2 film, including a special screening and an evening gala, have been cancelled. The evening’s Momentous: Party in the Night Sky light and drone show on Main Street, U.S.A., has also been suspended. As compensation for guests purchasing tickets on November 27, the park is offering a six-month window for a return visit.

Beyond large institutions, local singer Jace Chan postponed the general public ticket launch for her upcoming concert, stating on social media that it was “not a suitable time” for the ticketing event. Furthermore, several political forums and public campaigns related to the upcoming December 7 elections have been suspended as a mark of respect for the immense tragedy.

The extensive cancellations and modifications underscore the profound impact of the Tai Po fire on Hong Kong’s cultural and social landscape, demonstrating a unified commitment to mourning and recovery ahead of any routine civic activities. The city’s immediate future remains focused on supporting the affected community and concluding recovery operations.

La Vache!, the celebrated Parisian bistro concept operated by Black Sheep Restaurants, has introduced its largest Hong Kong establishment at Two Exchange Square in Central. The new venue fills a notable void left by the closure of Liberty Exchange after 15 years, promising to deliver its signature blend of refined yet welcoming European dining to city professionals and residents alike. Located at Shop 103, Two Exchange Square, the expansive site is designed to accommodate large groups and prolonged celebrations, further solidifying the brand’s presence in the city’s financial hub.

Classic Menu, Expanded Space

Adhering strictly to its successful formula, the Exchange Square outpost maintains the popular “Aujourd’hui” menu. This simple, fixed-price offering bypasses traditional ordering, immediately presenting diners with a basket of fresh, crusty baguette and a crisp house salad. The main event follows: generous portions of USDA prime ribeye steak, served with an endless supply of golden, crispy frites (French fries). This no-fuss approach is central to La Vache!’s bistro identity, focusing on quality ingredients prepared traditionally.

The sheer size of this new location—the largest in Hong Kong—is a key feature. Beyond the main dining room, which features larger tables suitable for office functions or group dinners, the venue includes two dedicated private dining rooms. These intimate spaces offer a heightened sense of exclusivity, catering to both casual gatherings and formal celebrations extending late into the evening.

Dedicated Bar and Exclusive Bites

A distinctive element of the Exchange Square location is the prominent, dedicated bar that spans the front of the restaurant. Designed to revive a popular social spot in the Central district, this area is poised to become a favored gathering place for after-work drinks, casual dates, and quick executive lunches.

While the core dining room serves the fixed steak menu, the bar offers a separate, location-specific menu of hearty snacks and specialized sandwiches perfectly paired with wine or cocktails. Highlights include bespoke elevated comfort foods:

• The Burger Maison: A classic cheeseburger reimagined with fresh brioche, rich caramelized onions, and melted raclette cheese.
• La Vache! Steak Sandwich: Layers of aged USDA ribeye steak, caramelized onions, and a creamy horseradish crème, served on a perfectly crispy baguette.

This dedicated bar scene addresses the dynamic social needs of the Central area, offering robust, satisfying alternatives to those not opting for the full steak experience.

Enhancing Central’s Dining Landscape

The opening of La Vache! at Exchange Square represents more than just a new restaurant; it signals continued investment in Central’s high-end lifestyle offerings. Black Sheep Restaurants has successfully transitioned the site into a destination that promises both reliability—through its beloved, simple menu—and novelty, with its expansive dining areas and prominent bar.

The new location benefits from its accessibility, housed at 8 Connaught Place. Diners interested in experiencing this elevated Parisian bistro setting are advised to secure reservations through the SevenRooms platform. This establishment is set to become a defining landmark for sophisticated dining and social gatherings within one of Hong Kong’s busiest districts.

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.