Special Practice Notes on Civil Claims arising from Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
The Judiciary issued two Special Practice Notes today (November 12) setting out the handling approach of civil claims arising from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. They seek to ensure a fair and proportionate distribution of judicial resources without impairing the parties' right to access to court and a fair trial.
The Judiciary. Photo source: reference image
Taking into account the extensive casualties and severe damage caused by the fire, the Judiciary anticipates that a large number of claims involving complex issues and substantial sums may soon be brought before the courts. Bearing in mind the time, costs and uncertainties involved in litigation, it is in the interests of the parties and the public that these claims be resolved initially by settlement through without prejudice negotiations, and failing which, by alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation, with litigation as the last resort.
The two Special Practice Notes direct parties to attempt resolving their disputes arising from the fire by ADR before and after commencement of proceedings, and put in place special expedited court procedures, with a view to settling the claims fairly, quickly and at reasonable cost. They include:
- Special Practice Note - Civil Claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire (SPN 1/2026): covering all civil claims arising from the fire, with the exception of certain specified types of claims, to be handled by the High Court or the District Court; and
- Special Practice Note - Employees'Compensation Claims and Civil Claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire (SPN 2/2026): covering employees'compensation claims and civil claims arising from the fire to be handled by the District Court and the Small Claims Tribunal or the Labour Tribunal respectively.
The two Special Practice Notes have taken immediate effect. They are available on the Judiciary's website at legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/en/Practice_Notes.jsp.
The Judiciary is not in a position to give legal advice to litigants or comment on the merits of individual cases.Members of the public should consult lawyers or the Legal Aid Department (www.lad.gov.hk/eng/las/las.html) for legal advice and assistance as appropriate on the conduct of litigations (including the application of the two Special Practice Notes) where necessary. There are also various free legal services in Hong Kong, including the Free Legal Advice Scheme operated by the Duty Lawyer Service at District Offices or Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Government. For details, please refer to its website at www.dutylawyer.org.hk.
As regards mediation services, the Judiciary has launched a dedicated webpage (mediation.judiciary.hk/en/mediation_wfc.html) to provide one-stop information on mediation related to civil claims arising from the fire. Members of the public may refer to the webpage for relevant information, including practical information on mediation, mediation services in the community, and contact information of the Judiciary's Integrated Mediation Offices.
Wang Fuk Court. Photo source: reference image
LCSD's Cantonese Opera Day 2026 to be held November 29 with online registration for free workshops and talks to start next Monday
The Cantonese Opera Day 2026, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will be held on the afternoon of November 29 (Sunday) across the indoor and outdoor venues of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Under the theme "Cantonese Opera Fun and Legacy for the Future", the event offers members of the public and tourists an array of spectacular performances, experiential activities, talks and an exhibition, showcasing the multifaceted charm of Cantonese opera as a world-class intangible cultural heritage. Admission is free. Online registration for certain activities will open next Monday (November 16) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fabulous performances will be available on stage at this year's Cantonese Opera Day. Child actors and rising talents from various local Cantonese opera troupes will perform classic opera excerpts on stage. The child performers will also walk the catwalk onto the stage, highlighting the features of their costumes and makeup. Renowned artists will take to the stage to lead interactive sing-alongs with the audience.
Winners of the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival Cantonese Opera Competition and young Cantonese opera students will perform their signature repertoire and share their artistic journeys. Meanwhile, Chinese music elites from the Music Office will play a selection of familiar Cantonese tunes and Chinese music pieces, showcasing the brilliance of traditional melodies.
A variety of on-site workshops will be held for participants to learn basic Cantonese opera movements and stage prop techniques, such as the use of horsewhips andtasselled spears. This year's event introduces two new highlights: the "Families' Workshop on Cantonese Opera" for parents and children, with a chance to showcase their learning on stage; and the "Interactive Cantonese Opera Music Workshop - Wind, Plucked, Bowed, and Percussion" led by the School of Chinese Opera at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, followed by a hands-on instrument try-out session. Locals and visitors can also craft Cantonese opera-themed products at carnival booths, and take memorable photographs at a photo corner with traditional costumes and props.
Furthermore, the highly anticipated cross-generational star autograph sessions will feature renowned artists including Cheng Wing-mui, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Wing-yee, Lai Yiu-wai, Vong Seng-pan, Wang Zhiliang, Leung Sum-yee and Yue Ling-lung, offering opera fans a rare opportunity to meet their idols up close for signatures and photographs.
The Cantonese Opera Day has invited a seasoned Cantonese opera co-ordinator to conduct sessions in both Cantonese and English to explain the makeup and costume characteristics of various operatic roles. Theatre practitioners will share backstage insights and fascinating experiences from the world of Cantonese opera. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum will present the "Cantonese Opera Collection Highlights", showcasing precious Cantonese opera collections from the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, such as postbills, libretti, and programme booklets, to help visitors understand the development of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong.
Guided tours in Cantonese, English and Putonghua will be available on the day to lead visitors through the various performances and activities. Furthermore, attendees can redeem a limited-edition souvenir by collecting stamps at designated locations around the venue, while stocks last.
For the venues and times of the performances and activities for the Cantonese Opera Day 2026, please see the Annex. Online registration is required for certain activities, including workshops and talks. Registration will open at 10am on November 16 (Monday) (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_2023.html#tab_10_0). Each person may register for up to two activities, with a maximum of two spaces per activity. Admission to all programmes is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For details of the activities, online registration arrangements and information on other supporting events, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_2023.html or call 2268 7325.
The Cantonese Opera Day 2026 is one of the programmes of the "Pass It On! A Cantonese Opera Fiesta!" series and the 6th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.
The Cantonese Opera Day 2026. Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
