Hong Kong – As Tropical Cyclone Hongsa churns toward the city, pop star Ian Chan of the Cantopop group MIRROR announced a two-hour early start for his third concert performance on Saturday, citing the imminent hoisting of a higher storm warning. The Hong Kong Observatory raised the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal at 1:20 p.m. local time and said it would assess between 9 p.m. and midnight whether to upgrade to the more severe No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal.
Chan, performing under the stage name Ian, took to Instagram to inform fans of the revised schedule. “Hello everyone, because the No. 8 typhoon signal is about to be hoisted, our third show of the ‘Growth’ concert series will start two hours early, at 6:23 p.m.,” he said in a video post. “For those who cannot make it early, we will offer a refund option. I’m heading to rehearsal now. Hope to see you later. Please be careful on the roads and stay safe.”
The concert, originally set for 8:23 p.m., will now open its doors at 5 p.m. at the Kai Tak Sports Park Arena. The show is part of the “IAN CHAN: GROWTH: LIVE 2026” tour, sponsored by Hang Seng Mastercard.
MakerVille, the concert’s organizer, issued a formal statement emphasizing safety as the top priority. “Due to the gradual approach of Typhoon Hongsa, and in order to ensure the safety of the audience and the performance team, the concert scheduled for July 25 (Saturday) will be brought forward to 6:23 p.m.,” the company wrote. “Audience entry will open at 5 p.m.”
The statement further urged fans to allow extra travel time, warned of slippery roads, and advised monitoring the latest weather and transport updates. For ticketholders unable to attend, refund details will be announced later on MakerVille’s official social media channels. The organizer retained the final say on all performance arrangements.
Tropical Cyclone Hongsa, moving in from the South China Sea, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Pearl River Delta region through Saturday evening. The Observatory warned that seas could become rough and squalls possible, particularly in coastal areas.
The decision to shift the concert start time reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, where organizers increasingly prioritize audience and artist safety during severe weather. Similar schedule changes occurred last year when Typhoon Saola prompted the cancellation of several outdoor events.
For fans like Mei Ling, a 24-year-old who traveled from Kowloon to attend, the news was a mix of relief and inconvenience. “I was worried the whole show would be canceled,” she said as she queued early. “I’d rather come two hours earlier than miss it entirely.” Others, however, expressed frustration on social media about rushed travel plans during peak storm hours.
As the storm intensifies, the concert’s early start serves as a reminder for attendees to check the Hong Kong Observatory’s latest bulletins, allow extra commuting time, and prioritize personal safety. Those seeking refunds should hold onto their tickets and watch for updates from MakerVille’s official channels.
