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The URA and 2Gather co-organise the inaugural 2026 Graham Festival. The Festival brings together around 100 stall operators and merchants from Graham Market and its neighbouring streets in Central, alongside over 300 students from the Youth College of the VTC to co-create the “Graham” brand that celebrates the area’s distinctive local identity. Featuring a diverse programme of activities, the Festival aims to boost footfall and generate business opportunities.
Managing Director of the URA Donald Choi (centre); Executive Director (Commercial) of the URA Wilfred Au (third from right); Vice Chairman of 2Gather Michelle Yau (fifth from right); Principal of Youth College, VTC Wong Chak-wing (first from left), and General Manager – Asset Management of Sino Group Hilda Lai (second from left) attended the kick-off ceremony of 2026 Graham Festival. They were joined by distinguished guests including Legislative Council Members Chan Hok-fung (fifth from left) and Judy Chan (fourth from right); Central and Western District Council Member Yeung Hok-ming (third from left); Chairman of The Association of the Hong Kong Central and Western District Ha Chung-kin (second from right); Founder of local creative brand Chocolate Rain Prudence Mak (fourth from left); as well as stall operator of the Graham Market Choi (first from right).
Managing Director of the URA, Donald Choi, said at the ceremony that the stall operators were not merely “participants” in the Festival, but “co-creators”. This shift in role reflected the URA’s adoption of the "Converge, Cocreate, Collaborate and Convert" strategy in community-making efforts, encouraging participation, collaboration and co-creation, ultimately enabling community-led renewal and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Stall operators participating in the 2026 Graham Festival introduce their products to guests.
Students from the Youth College of the VTC collaborated with eight stall operators, including Shan Shan (first from right), to redesign the product packaging, weaving the vendors’ unique brand stories into the creation of distinctive “Graham Souvenirs”.
28 Mar 2026

URA and 2Gather Launch Inaugural 2026 Graham Festival, Bringing Generations and Sectors Together to Revitalise the Century-Old Market

Co-orgainsed by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and 2Gather, the inaugural 2026 Graham Festival held its kick-off ceremony today (28 March 2026).  Bringing together around 100 stall operators and merchants from Graham Market and its neighbouring streets in Central, alongside over 300 students from the Youth College of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), the Festival offers a fresh interpretation of the century-old Graham Market’s unique character. Through collaborative efforts, they have co-created the “Graham” brand, a celebration of the area’s distinctive local identity.  Featuring a diverse programme of activities, the Festival aims to boost footfall and generate business opportunities, while contributing to the development of cultural tourism in Hong Kong.

The Graham Festival is being held from today until 14 April 2026.  Managing Director of the URA Donald Choi; Executive Director (Commercial) of the URA Wilfred Au; Vice Chairman of 2Gather Michelle Yau; Principal of Youth College, VTC Wong Chak-wing, and General Manager – Asset Management of Sino Group Hilda Lai attended the kick-off ceremony.  Other distinguished guests included Legislative Council Members Chan Hok-fung and Judy Chan; Central and Western District Council Member Yeung Hok-ming; Chairman of The Association of the Hong Kong Central and Western District Ha Chung-kin; Founder of local creative brand Chocolate Rain Prudence Mak; as well as stall operators of the Graham Market.

Aiming to inject vitality into the traditional market, the Graham Festival features a wide range of programmes, including cultural and creative design, exhibition of design works, souvenir redemption campaigns, docent tours and workshops.  Students from VTC Youth College have worked closely with eight stall operators to redesign the packaging of their products, weaving the vendors’ unique brand stories into the creation of distinctive “Graham Souvenirs”.  The students have also produced a series of promotional materials featuring the stall operators themselves, and designed a range of market-themed souvenirs for public redemption.  In addition, they will co-lead docent tours alongside former stall operators of Graham Market.  All these offer the public a multi-dimensional perspective on the history and culture of the Graham Street neighbourhood, while further strengthening community ties.

Managing Director of the URA Donald Choi said, “The inaugural Graham Festival marks two significant breakthroughs.  First, the number of participating stall operators and merchants is the highest to date, with this year’s reach extending to Aberdeen Street, Gough Street, Gilman’s Bazaar and Wing Kut Street, strengthening connections with the neighbouring community.

Second, the role and level of engagement of stall operators have evolved notably compared with previous initiatives.  They are not merely ‘participants’ in the event, but ‘co-creators’.  This shift from passivity to proactivity, and from beneficiaries to co-creators, reflects the URA’s adoption of the ‘Converge, Cocreate, Collaborate and Convert’ strategy in its community-making efforts.  The approach brings together stall operators and local stakeholders around a shared vision for the district’s future, guiding and encouraging their participation, collaboration and co-creation, ultimately enabling community-led renewal and preservation of cultural heritage.”

The URA will continue to improve the area’s built environment, enhancing surrounding streets and public spaces to attract more visitors while supporting community-making efforts.  Recent work includes resurfacing a section of Gage Street and the pedestrian walkway along Staveley Street, as well as commissioning artists to create murals in and around the Wa On Lan Sitting-out Area, giving the neighbourhood a refreshed and vibrant look.

Since the commencement of the Peel Street / Graham Street Development Scheme (H18), the URA has organised a series of promotional activities to draw visitors to the district and deepen their understanding of the community.  To date, two of the three H18 sites have been completed, contributing to a noticeable improvement in the surrounding environment.  With the final site scheduled for completion later this year, the URA considers this an opportune moment to establish “Graham” as a distinctive district brand in Hong Kong.  By integrating the 3B elements—enhanced Built environment, strengthened local Bonding, and a revitalised Business environment—the URA aims to create synergy that reinforces local character, boosts footfall, stimulates economic activities, and supports sustainable, community-led development.

 

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