If Media Whispers are True, Insomnia Lan Kwai Fong, an Iconic HK Venue is Closing Forever
By HK Lawyer AJ Halkes Barrister-at-Law
For over twenty years Insomnia Lan Kwai Fong has been more than just a venue; it’s been a symbol of the vibrant, sleepless energy that defines Hong Kong; the heartbeat of Lan Kwai Fong.
If media whispers are true, this iconic business is closing forever.
Flowing from Chasers, a humble venue on Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui the team took live music and entertainment in Hong Kong to another level eventually becoming one of the city’s largest employers of professional musicians.
Insomnia revolutionised the scene with rotating bands for a dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere that was far away from the stale, static approach of single-band locations. Their vision, combined with effective government lobbying to allow the new mode, reshaped the immigration and entertainment landscape and breathed new life into the city’s late hours.
In 2024 the idea of starting your night out at midnight is fading and Lan Kwai Fong isn’t what it used to be, though I believe it can be again if we put in the right work. Operating costs, staff shortages, shifting habits and “covid hangover” are all part of the story of course; as well as Hong Kong being on a deeper identity search, with new entertainment options are just a short train, plane, or boat ride away, the fight to keep the magic alive is still very real.
Perhaps loosening immigration controls on service staff, those in F&B and our entertainment industries, fast-tracking F&B licenses (even if just short-term permissions) and offering tax breaks for new investments for those in our arts, entertainment and tourism-related sectors can all be part of the solution.
And we can all keep reminding the world that Hong Kong remains one of the safest, most dynamic cities on the planet; where you don’t have to go to bed early!
If Insomnia is truly lost (for whatever reason) we’ll be missing the place but the beat goes on with plenty of live music venues out there keeping the rhythm alive.
Check out these music spots to keep the vibe going :
https://lnkd.in/gjaaAfkx
https://lnkd.in/g7-ZxC85
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