It’s like Mong Kok, only worse. Councillor issues damning verdict as Hong Kong’s buskers take their performances to Star Ferry Pier
Andy Yu calls for urgent government meeting as some musicians say they may opt to showcase their talents in Tsim Sha Tsui seven days a week
A district councillor wants officials to find an urgent solution to an explosion in busking activities in Tsim Sha Tsui, calling the sudden increase in performers around the Star Ferry pier a “worse copy” of the former situation in Mong Kok.
After the official closure of the pedestrian zone on Sai Yeung Choi Street South in Mong Kok on Saturday, some performers had moved their acts to a public space outside the pier, upsetting some regular buskers who lost their places, and shopkeepers who complained about the increased noise levels.
District councillor Andy Yu Tak-po, a Civic Party member, said the situation could be worse at the ferry pier than in Mong Kok, as it was open to the public every day of the week, at all times.
“It is like a copy of Mong Kok,” Yu said on Sunday.
Before its closure, the pedestrian zone in Mong Kok was closed to vehicles during the weekends from noon to 10pm.
Some groups who relocated to the Tsim Sha Tsui area performed near a bus terminal, with loud speakers and amplifiers, only leaving at 11pm on Saturday.