Hong Kong’s highly anticipated Lunar New Year Cup, a centerpiece of the annual festive calendar, is set to feature a powerful roster of musical and dance performances alongside the international football action. On February 21st, coinciding with the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the Hong Kong Stadium will host Canto-pop idols Anson Lo and Ian Chan from the powerhouse boy band MIRROR, emerging girl group COLLAR, and the dynamic South Korean cheer squad Lady Wiz, ensuring the traditional tournament is a true spectacle of sport and entertainment.
The high-profile entertainment slate was confirmed on Thursday, building excitement for what is traditionally a major draw for local families and tourists celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Both Anson Lo and Ian Chan took to social media, specifically Instagram Stories, to share the official promotional material immediately after the announcement. Anson Lo, a multi-faceted singer and actor, stoked anticipation among his massive fanbase by adding a concise yet engaging caption: “See you on the fifth day of the New Year!”
Blending Sport and Pop Culture
The inclusion of top-tier local and regional pop acts reflects a growing trend in major sporting events to merge competitive action with popular culture to attract wider, younger audiences. MIRROR, and its individual members like Anson Lo and Ian Chan, consistently dominate local entertainment headlines and ticket sales, offering a significant boost to the Cup’s visibility.
The festival atmosphere will also be amplified by the presence of COLLAR, one of Hong Kong’s premier new girl groups, known for their sharp choreography and catchy tracks. Complementing the local talent will be South Korea’s Lady Wiz, an elite cheerleading team famous for their high-energy, precision routines often seen at major international sporting competitions, guaranteeing a dazzling display during match intervals.
While the primary focus of the賀歲盃 (Lunar New Year Cup) remains the international football exhibition matches—which often draw veterans and legends from top European leagues—the robust entertainment lineup transforms the day into a full cultural event.
A Hong Kong Tradition Reimagined
The Lunar New Year Cup has a long, storied history in Hong Kong, often serving as one of the few opportunities annually for residents to watch international football stars live. By integrating the reigning champions of Cantopop and K-Culture performance—such as Anson Lo’s commanding stage presence and the synchronized brilliance of Lady Wiz—organizers are consciously modernizing the tradition.
This strategy ensures ticket sales remain vibrant, appealing not just to football diehards but also to fans of Canto-pop entertainment. The event effectively positions the Hong Kong Stadium as the main hub for celebratory fun on Chor Ng (the fifth day of the Lunar New Year), marrying the luck and energy of high-octane performance with the excitement of an international sporting contest.
Fans are advised to secure tickets promptly, given the extremely high demand triggered by the participation of these megastars, particularly as the event falls during the peak holiday period. The fusion of football prowess and stage supremacy is set to offer an unforgettable start to the Year of the Dragon celebrations.
