Cover Josie Ho attends Canton Disco's 40th anniversary gala on May 17 (Photo: courtesy of GHC Asia)
Josie Ho attends Canton Disco's 40th anniversary gala on May 17 (Photo: courtesy of GHC Asia)
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A night of nostalgia and pulsating beats celebrated four decades of Hong Kong’s legendary Canton Disco, complete with original DJs, retro cocktails and design icon Alan Chan
Canton Disco’s 40th anniversary gala, themed Together Forever, took place at The Trilogy in Central on May 17. It was a night steeped in 1980s magic, celebrating four decades since the former Canton Disco first opened its doors in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1985. Famously, the original club drew an overwhelming 11,000 revellers to a space designed for just 1,500, cementing its status as a defining cultural hub in Hong Kong’s nightlife history. The gala was a curated journey back to that halcyon era, where music and glamour converged.
A standout moment of the evening was the presence of design icon Alan Chan, who is the visionary behind the original Canton Disco’s instantly recognisable “Swimming & Diving Man” logo. The iconic motif was depicted on the wall at the event, to the delight of guests.
Andrew Bull on the decks (Photo: courtesy of GHC Asia)
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The energy was electric as original Canton Disco DJs, including the club’s founder Andrew Bull, aka DJ El Toro, as well as Jimmy Lee and Simon Choi returned to the decks, spinning classic ’80s tunes that transported guests back in time. The club’s original bartenders also served retro-inspired cocktails, adding to the nostalgia.
The original Canton Disco was frequented by local legends like Leslie Cheung, Danny Chan and Anita Mui, as well as international icons such as the late American singer and actress Eartha Kitt, ’80s British synth-pop duo The Pet Shop Boys and Sylvester Stallone, who famously hosted his Rambo III after-party there, was brought vividly to life. While the original club location is now a Hermès store, the spirit of Canton Disco endures, and the gala celebration was a true time capsule of Hong Kong’s most glamorous epoch.
Credits
Photography: Courtesy of GHC Asia
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
