The Kick-off ceremony of “SPARKFEST 2026 @ Youth Link‧Nam Cheong” was held on April 26, 2026. Youth Link‧Nam Cheong is a physical, interactive platform established by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau) for members of Youth Link, and is managed and operated by The Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation (the Foundation). The ceremony was officiated by Miss Alice MAK, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms WAN Ning, Deputy Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Clarence LEUNG, Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Eric CHAN, Commissioner for Youth for Home and Youth Affairs, and Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation. Ben CHIU, a singer-songwriter famous for his "bone-breaking" dance, performed with award-winning Pipa player Jennifer CHAN in an innovative "Street Dance x Chinese Music" fusion performance.

The three-day SPARKFEST will present a vibrant lineup of activities, including a Creative Market featuring unique stalls run by Youth Link members, various workshops, live music performances by different singers, resident buskers, live dance classes led by professional instructors, and song recording sessions. A variety of free drinks and snacks will also be available on site. The event is fully open to the public. All are welcome to join and experience the vibrant stage of youth. To enjoy performances and workshops, participants must pre-register as Youth Link members; on-site registration is also open to youth aged 12 to 39.

The Youth Link is a key initiative of the "Youth Development Blueprint" launched by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau in September 2023. It brings together energetic, diverse and competitive young people who are committed to active participation in community building, and offers members a wide range of activities and events to develop their talents and contribute to society. Youth Link ‧ Nam Cheong is the physical, interactive platform that puts these core measures into action, and is officially open today.

Youth Link ‧ Nam Cheong, conveniently located near Nam Cheong MTR Station in a vibrant cultural hub, is equipped with versatile new facilities that cater to both dynamic and quiet pursuits. Following the trial launch of Phase 1 in December 2025, comprising multi-purpose activity spaces, co-working spaces and silent booths, which have already hosted over 40 diverse activities. In addition to multipurpose activity and coworking spaces, Phase 2 will feature a music room, a recording studio and dance rooms. In the future, the venue will collaborate with local young bands and dance groups to host various workshops, training classes and performances, enabling more young people to showcase their talents.

Gathering Youth Strength   Building a Dream Pursuit Base in Nam Cheong

Miss Alice MAK Mei Kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, stated: "Youth Link ‧ Nam Cheong is a physical youth interactive platform proposed by the Chief Executive in the 2024 Policy Address and aims to provide a continuous interactive gathering point for members of the HYAB’s "Youth Link". Serving as a practice base for initiatives under the Youth Development Blueprint, it seeks to strengthen the Government’s communication and collaboration with the Youth Development Commission and young people following their participation in various youth development projects."

Mr Daryl NG Win Kong, Chairman of The Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, remarked: "Young people are a vital force for the future development of society. The Foundation will fully support Hong Kong youth in seizing the major opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan period for both the nation and Hong Kong. This three-day major youth thematic event, 'SPARKFEST 2026' strongly supported by the Government and various sectors of the community, provides an excellent platform for young people to unleash their potential and showcase their vitality, talent and creativity."

3 Days of Free Star-Studded Performances   Live Your Pop Star Dream

At the launch ceremony, "King Maker III" champion Ben CHIU ignited the stage with his signature "bone-breaking" dance and a surprise crossover with award-winning young Pipa player Jennifer CHAN, blending modern street dance with classical Chinese music to spark creative energy.

In addition to the ceremony, Ben will perform again on the first evening. On the evening of 25 April, Emperor Entertainment Group's rising singers Andy LAI, Dark WONG, and Gladys LI will take the stage. From 25 to 26, in addition to busking performances, dance classes will be held every hour, led by professional instructors covering Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, K-Pop, and other dance styles. The recording studio will also offer free song recording experiences.

Creative Market – Rent-Free for Youth to Showcase Creativity

The SPARKFEST Creative Market invites 11 Youth Link members to use rent-free booths, featuring products ranging from handicrafts and eco-friendly items to tech innovations, among them several are first-time vendors.

The youngest stall owner is a 17-year-old Form 5 student, Mia TANG Yan Lam, who crochets adorable ornaments from spare wool yarn, inspired by her grandmother and turning waste into treasure. Vendor Zoe YIP brought Henna, a plant-based art form with over 5,000 years of history originating from India and the Middle East, incorporating Sham Shui Po elements such as neon signs and cha chaan teng patterns into unique "Hong Kong Henna" designs, offering on-site customization. Krystel YU of "Mindstill" breaks the stereotype that "drinking tea is old-fashioned" with her minimalist, artsy tea sets. Hong Kong Science Park startup EBP Biotech transforms oyster shells and other food by-products into biodegradable, bio-based materials for mass-produced tableware.

Some vendors are also hosting workshops on beaded bracelets, 3D sand art, candle-making, and so on. Youth Link‧Nam Cheong will continue to host creative markets, providing young people with their first platform to showcase their creativity.

Phase 3 to Commence by Late 2026

Youth Link‧Nam Cheong is developed in three phases. Phase 1 is already in operation. Phase 2 will officially open after SPARKFEST. Phase 3, located under the Under Bridge Space of the Tung Chau Street Temporary Market, covers an area of 950 square metres and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Young people aged 12 to 39 can download and log in to the "HKYouth+" App and register as a Youth Link member to receive the latest activity information and enjoy free access to a wide range of facilities and activities at Youth Link‧Nam Cheong.