Central’s Tai Kwun Heritage Venue will host the fifth annual InnerGlow light art festival, running nightly from February 6 to 22. This year’s installation, titled Discotheque Dreams and developed by studio The Collective, transforms the historic Barrack Block and Parade Ground into a vibrant, interactive celebration of the 1970s global disco phenomenon and Hong Kong’s unique cultural fusion. The free, nightly event promises multi-sensory projections, live performances, and, for the first time, real-time audience engagement.
Tai Kwun, recognized as one of Hong Kong’s most successful heritage revitalisation projects, consistently leverages the stately Neo-classical architecture of the former Central Police Station Compound. The InnerGlow festival capitalizes on these imposing structures—highlighting the masonry, grand arches, and signature Doric columns—by utilizing them as monumental artistic canvases.
InnerGlow 2025: A Neon Dreamscape
The centerpiece of this year’s festival is Discotheque Dreams, a creative production that immerses visitors in the electrifying world of disco, tracing its revolutionary arrival and impact across Asia. Designed by technology and design studio The Collective, the show focuses on transforming the Barrack Block façade and the surrounding Parade Ground into a “funky dreamscape.”
The projections are meticulously crafted to reflect Hong Kong’s multifaceted identity, blending cultural touchstones from both East and West. Imagery will include iconic elements such as the lion dance and martial arts cinema alongside references to classic 1970s Hollywood productions. This artistic synthesis underscores the city’s role as a vibrant crossroads of global culture.
Interactive Technology Enhances Visitor Experience
A significant feature distinguishing the 2025 edition of InnerGlow is the incorporation of real-time audience interaction. Marking a first in the festival’s five-year history, the new technology invites guests to become active participants, allowing their movements and presence to directly influence the surrounding projections and live performances. This innovation is expected to foster an energetic, collective atmosphere within the main courtyard, surrounded by swirling, multi-colored light and pulsating rhythms.
The festival runs nightly from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, offering Central residents and visitors free, high-energy entertainment. Full scheduling details are anticipated in the coming month, though attendees can reliably expect nightly gatherings infused with 70s-inspired disco aesthetics.
Parallel Showcase: The Searchlight Mentorship
Running concurrently with InnerGlow is the third iteration of the Searchlight mentorship programme showcase. Searchlight, dedicated to fostering emerging artistic talent, will present new works by its alumni artists, providing a platform for the next generation of creative voices.
These specialized presentations, lasting approximately 30 minutes, will be projected onto the façade of F Hall and the adjacent Prison Wall, offering parallel artistic engagement distinct from the main light show. This dual programming strengthens Tai Kwun’s commitment not only to preserving its heritage but also to serving as a dynamic hub for contemporary art and mentorship in Hong Kong.
By seamlessly integrating advanced artistic technology with preserved historical architecture, the Tai Kwun InnerGlow festival continues to revitalize Central’s cultural landscape. It provides a noteworthy example of how heritage sites can successfully evolve into living, accessible public stages, attracting both local residents and international tourists to experience the pulse of Hong Kong creativity.
