By Our Correspondent

National News – Organisers of the annual Pink Dot Hong Kong carnival have cancelled the 2026 edition after the event venue was withdrawn during the final stage of preparations.

The LGBTQ festival, one of the biggest in Hong Kong, was expected to hold in June but organisers said licensing concerns prevented the venue from being used.

Pink Dot Hong Kong, launched in 2014, is known for promoting diversity, inclusion and LGBTQ rights through music shows, art exhibitions and community workshops.

The event previously attracted nearly 7,000 participants, making it one of the city’s largest LGBTQ gatherings.

According to organisers, the venue manager, Link REIT, informed them that the facility could no longer be rented because of unresolved licensing issues.

The cancellation comes barely one year after the 2025 edition was also called off when another venue allegedly denied access without explanation.

The organisers said the uncertainty surrounding venue approval and the short timeline forced them to take the difficult decision to cancel the festival.

They added that efforts to secure the required permits from relevant authorities had not been successful as the event date approached.

The cancellation is another setback for Hong Kong’s LGBTQ community, which has continued to face challenges in securing broader legal recognition and equal rights.

In September last year, Hong Kong lawmakers voted against a proposed bill that would have granted limited legal protections and rights to same-sex couples.

Observers say the repeated cancellation of Pink Dot Hong Kong highlights the growing difficulties faced by LGBTQ organisations in the city.

Community groups fear the development could affect future advocacy events and public campaigns promoting equality and diversity.

Organisers expressed disappointment over the situation but said they remain committed to supporting LGBTQ awareness and inclusion in Hong Kong despite the repeated obstacles.