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Liberal Studies
Independent Enquiry Study Report
Project Title:
Explore Whether the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a
Suitable Place for Street Performances.
Class:
Class Number:
Page 1 of 68
Content Page
1. Introduction P.3
2. Methodology P.6
3. Literature Review P.8
4. Findings and Analysis P.10
5. Discussion P.37
6. Conclusion P.39
7. Recommendation P.41
8. Reflection P.43
9. References P.45
10. Appendices
10.1 Questionnaires distributed to the audience
10.2 Interview transcripts of street performers
10.3 Interview transcripts of shop owners
10.4 Interview transcript of residents
10.5 Observation report
P.47
Page 2 of 68
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1. Introduction
According to the Transport Department, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation was open in
August 2000 in order to improve the safety and mobility of pedestrian in this busy
shopping area1. he following areas are included in the Mongkok pedestrainisation:
Nelson Street (between Sai Yeung Choi Street South and Fa Yuen Street), Sai Yeung
Choi Street South (between Argyle Street and Dundas Street), Soy Street (between
Sai Yeung Choi Street South and Fa Yuen Street) and Tung Choi Street (between
Argyle Street and Dundas Street). After the opening of the pedestrainisation, some
people take the spaces to perform on the streets. It gradually becomes a place for
street performers to perform.
The implementation hours of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation have been reduced for
several times since 2010 due to the noise and light nuisance to the nearby residents.
Before 20 January 2014, the implementation hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on General Holidays.
However, In the Traffic and Transport Committee meeting of the Yau Tsim Mong
District Council on 21 November 2013, the committee members passed a motion
reduce the implementation days of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation in order to
minimize the nuisance to the residents. This shows the street performances are
disturbing the residents’ daily lives. Therefore, from 20 January 2014 onward, the
implementation hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and from
12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on General Holidays. The concerned road sections are
opened for vehicular traffic from Monday to Friday.2
According to a professional street performer, Mr Andrew So Chun‐chau (蘇春就), The
street performances provide entertainment and bring happiness to the audience in
[1] Transport Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2013).
Transport Department, Pedestrainisation. Retrieved from:‐
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisation/index.html
[2] Transport Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2013).
Transport Department, Pedestrainisation, Mongkok. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisation/mong_kok/in
dex.html
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different income groups3. According to the spokesperson of the Home Affairs Bureau,
some of the street performances have local cultural values and they are worthwhile
to promote to the public4 .
The Mongkok Pedestriansation provides a area for carrying out street performances.
Thus, there are quite a number of street performers and audience engages in street
performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
However, such activities also bring negative impacts to other stakeholders. The
residents and the shops nearby have complained about the impacts of the street
performances on them. For example, according to the data from the Yau Tsim Mong
District Council, they cause loud noise which disturbs the daily lives of the residents
and the business of the shops nearby. The street performers and the audience also
block the ways and threat the safety of the area, for example, the ambulance may
not be able to pass by in urgent situation5 .
Therefore, whether the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for street
performances is a controversial issue. The values of the street performances in that
area and the interests of the residents and shops nearby should be considered when
evaluating this issue.
This project aims to explore whether the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is suitable for
street performances in various aspects. It will look into the needs and concern of
the street performers, audience, the nearby residents and shops’ views towards this
issue.
[3] Legislative Council (2008). 蘇春就對「設於私人發展項目內的公共設施」的書面意見 Retrieved
from :‐http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr07‐08/chinese/panels/plw/papers/dev0531cb1‐1681‐4‐c.pdf
[4] Press Releases (2010). LCQ2: Street performances. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/14/P201007140225.htm
[5] District Councils (2013). 2012 至2015 年度油尖旺區議會
交通運輸委員會 第九次會議記錄 . Retrieved from :‐
http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/ytm/doc/tc/committee_meetings_minutes/TTC/TTC_Minutes_9th
_18.7.2013_C.pdf
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The following are the objectives of this research.
First, I will find out the current situation of street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation, i.e. the nature of different street performances, the background of
and the street performers.
Second, I will also find out the policies, rules and legislations related to street
performing in Hong Kong. I will find out whether street performing is legal in Hong
Kong and what the loopholes are in the law.
Third, I will find out the different stakeholders’ (the audience, residents and shops
nearby) views towards the street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
For example, how the residents and shops nearby complain about the street
performances and what the audience’s opinions towards the street performances
are.
Fourth, I will also find out the purposes of the street performers to perform in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation and their opinions towards the suitability to perform in
this area.
Fifth, I will gather different stakeholders’ opinions on whether the current policies
and rules can meet the demands of them and find out how the policies can be
improved.
After analyzing the data, I will evaluate whether the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a
suitable place for street performances by considering different stakeholders’
interests and concerns and find out what the ideal policies on the pedestrianisation
are.
Page 5 of 68
2. Methodology
A) Questionnaire
The target interviewees are the street performance audience. The questionnaire
was distributed to anyone who has watched of street performances in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Some of the questionnaires were distributed at
school and some were distributed to the audience in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. There were 62 respondents. The questionnaire asks about
respondents’ reasons for watching street performances, frequencies or habits in
watching the performances, comments on the street performances, opinions
towards the suitability of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation to carry out street
performances and opinions towards the policies or rules in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation.
B) Interview
First, the data collection process includes interviews with four street performers.
They are Mr. Tom Tong (西洋菜街 Tom)‐a singer, Ms Lau‐a dancer, Mr. Tang Ying
Kit (Joe Ten)‐a painter and Mr. Lyson Sze (施寶盛)‐a freestyle football player
respectively. Street performers engage in different kinds of performances were
asked so as to understand different kinds of performers’ situations and needs.
These performers are more popular among the performers (there are more
audience observing their performances) so they are more representative. They
were asked about the habits of performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation, the
purposes of performing and their opinions towards the policies or rules in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Second, the data collection process includes interviews with two shop owners or
staff in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. They were asked about the impacts
caused by the street performances to their business and the opinions towards
the policies or rules of the Mongkok Pestrianisation
Third, the data collection process includes interviews with four residents living
nearby the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. They were asked about the impacts
caused by the street performances to their daily lives and the opinions towards
the policies or rules in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Page 6 of 68
C) Site Visits
To study the current situation and the impacts of the street performances in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation, I visited the Mongkok Pedestrianisation for seven
times on 25 January, 8 February, 23 February, 22 March, 12 April, 19 April and 10
May 2014. These days are chosen because the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is
opened these days. I usually arrive there at 7:00 p.m. and leave at 10:00 p.m. This
is because I think there is larger pedestrian flow and more performances after
dinner time so that I can understand the situation in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation more thoroughly. Moreover, I stay there until 10 p.m. to find
out the difference
I observed the number and varieties of street performances; the number, age and
behaviours of the audience. I also observed when the street performers start and
end their performances, and evaluated the noise level, hygienic condition and
congestion level in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation..
Limitation
It is difficult to arrange for interviewing more residents in that area because the
residents were not willing to be interviewed. Four residents are quite representative
to reflect the opinions of the residents living in the Mongkok Pedestriansation
because they are actually living in the same area.
Many of the shops in Mongkok Pedestrianisation are chain stores and their front line
sales person may not know about the effect on sales with the present of street
performance. They can only comment on change in number of customers or visitors
by feeling but without solid back up data. Their store managers also refused to
disclose if the sales is affected. Only two small stores whose owners and staff were
more open to the interview.
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3. Literature Review
According to the Transport Department, the Mongkok pedestrainisation was open in
August 2000. It is a Part‐time Pedestrian Street. In part‐time pedestrian streets,
vehicular access is only allowed in specific periods. The following areas are included
in the Mongkok pedestrainisation: Nelson Street (between Sai Yeung Choi Street
South and Fa Yuen Street), Sai Yeung Choi Street South (between Argyle Street and
Dundas Street), Soy Street (between Sai Yeung Choi Street South and Fa Yuen Street)
and Tung Choi Street (between Argyle Street and Dundas Street)1 .
After the opening of the Mongkok Pedestrainisation, some people take the spaces to
perform on the streets. It gradually becomes a place for street performers to perform.
There is no formal record indicates when the street performers start performing in
Mongkok pedestrainisation. However, it is found that the Legislative Council first
discussed whether street performance or entertainment activities are in breach of
the laws of Hong Kong in 20062. Thus, it can be deduced that street performance in
Mongkok has existed before 2006. Since then, the Legislative Council discussed the
safety about the street performances and gave guideline to street performers. Such
discussions in the Legco shows the number of performers has been increasing and
the order in the pedestrainisation is moderately affected.
There were several meetings in the Legislative Council discussing the street
performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation since 2006. The minutes of those
meetings show that the government has no long term and specific policies and
regulations to govern street performance. The government allows street
performances as long as they do not infringe any law. However, there is no clear
definition on “street performances” and “street performers” thus many commercial
and promotional activities also get into this area by declaring such is a street
performance. This piece of information shows the constraint of local authorities that
lead them cannot keep the Mongkok Pedestrianisation area in better order3. The
[1] Transport Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2013).
Transport Department, Pedestrainisation. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisation/index.html
[2] Press Releases (2006). LCQ6: Street performance. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/08/P200611080175.htm
[3] Press Releases (2006). LCQ6: Street performance. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/08/P200611080175.htm
Page 8 of 68
minutes of Legislative Council help trace the development and trend of street
performing in Mongkok pedestrianisation area and the short coming of current
regulations. All these are important in the overall considerations whether Mongkok
Pedestrianisation areas are suitable for street performing.
Second, So Chun Chau , the street performer known as Mr Funny, was being sued for
obstructing public places when performing on Great George Street, Causeway Bay.
The judge found him not guilty at last because Hong Kong residents shall have
freedom to engage in academic research, literary and artistic creation, and other
cultural activities, according to Article 34 of the Basic Law4. This reflects Hong Kong
has not got a clear policy and licences system to govern the activities of street
performer. The court case of So Chun Chau cleared up a grey area in the law. With
this court case, fellow street performers are now confident of their rights but it also
brings with more peddlers and promoters to conduct commercial activities in the
name of performances. With the inadequate regulation, police is getting more
difficult to control the street performers, street promoters and even peddlers in that
area. This is one of the reasons for increase of traffic and noise which induces more
conflict between street performers and local residents.
Third, from some minutes of the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, local residents,
shops and pass‐bys complained that the street performers are the major causes of
noise pollution. The performances also cause extra disorder and congestion to
Mongkok Pedestrianisation which is originally a very heavy foot traffic street5. This
shows that there are some stakeholders do not think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
is suitable place for street performances as they are negatively affected by the street
performances. The complaints from local resident as recorded in minutes of district
council can be considered as the negative view on Mongkok Pedestrianisation is
suitable for street performer.
[4] AM730 新聞 (2010). 銅鑼灣表演雜技被控阻街 蘇春就罪名不成立 . Retrieved from
http://www.am730.com.hk/article.php?article=22730
[5] District Councils (2013). 2012 至2015 年度油尖旺區議會
交 通 運 輸 委 員 會 第 九 次 會 議 記 錄 . Retrieved from
http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/ytm/doc/tc/committee_meetings_minutes/TTC/TTC_Minutes_9th
_18.7.2013_C.pdf
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4. Findings and Analysis
4.1 Current situation of street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
4.1.1 Types of street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
From field visit to Mongkok Pedestrianisation on 23/2/2014, it was found that type
and number of street performance is as below tabulated.
Table 1
Nature of performance Number of
performance
Percentage of
performance
1. Singing 8 47.06%
2. Instrument 2 11.76%
3. Painting 2 11.76%
4. Handicraft 2 11.76%
5. Circus skills 1 5.88%
6. Dancing 1 5.88%
7. Freestyle Football 1 5.88%
TOTAL 15 100%
There are 7 categorizes of street performance, Among them, there were 8 singing
performances in form of live band or solo, 2 instrumental performances, playing Er
Hu and Beat Box , 2 handicraft , 1 dancing performance, 1 Chinese style circus skills, 1
painter doing carton and portrait sketches and 1 freestyle football performance.
Further visits on 22/3/2014 and 12/4/2014 also showed the above 7 categorizes of
street performances but with minor change in corresponding number of performers.
Musical performances are always the majority type and occupy most of the area of
the Pedestrianisation.
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4.1.2 Current legislations or rules regarding the street performances in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation
There is no specific law to pin point street performances. However, the street
performers cannot bring nuisance, annoyance or obstruction in any public place to
people or traffic. They are also prohibited to bring noise nuisance. Their
performances should not be in an indecent, obscene, revolting or offensive nature.1 If
the street performers violate the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap. 228), the Noise
Control Ordinance (Cap. 400) and the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles
Ordinance (Cap. 390), the police may give advice or verbal warning to the persons
concerned, and may request the persons concerned to stop the performance or
institute prosecution in accordance with the relevant Ordinance.2
In additional to that, the performers can only perform during the period as stipulated
by The Transportation Department. According to the regulation, the opening hours
are from 4:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on
Sundays and public holidays.3
Compendium
Most of the street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation are musical
performances. Therefore, noise nuisance is always a concern for residents and shop
operator in that area.
[1] Press Releases (2006). LCQ6: Street performance. Retrieved from
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/08/P200611080175.htm
[2] Transport Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2013).
Transport Department, Pedestrainisation, Mongkok. Retrieved from
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisation/mong_kok/in
dex.html
[3] Department of Justice, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2013). Cap
400 Noise Control Ordinance. Retrieved from
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_pdf.nsf/6799165D2FEE3FA94825755E0033E532/623856598016DF
D5482575EF0002A7A7?OpenDocument&bt=0
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4.2 Analysis on the Street Performers
4.2.1 Background of the street performers
Among the interviewees who are street performers in singing, freestyle football,
dancing and painting, the freestyle football player and the painter have a full‐time
job and do street performing as a part time job, while the dancer is a retired person
who performs for fun. Only the band singer who takes street performance as a
full‐time job.
From the interviews, Ms Lau,the dancer, has performed in the area for four years. Mr.
Tom Tong, the singer, and Mr. Lyson Sze, the freestyle football player, have performed
in the area for three years, while Mr. Tang Ying Kit, the painter, has performed for
half year. They all will show up in Mongkok Pedestrianisation every Saturday and
Sunday.
For those musical performances, most of them are live band singing 70‐80’s
Cantonese pop song and 60‐70’s English oldies. Their audiences are middle age or old
people. For the painters who do cartoon and portrait sketches and artist selling
handicraft, the onlookers are mostly young people.
For the dancing performances, a group of amateur dancers perform just for fun and
crowed by curious pedestrian.
For the circus skills performances, the performer playing Chinese style acrobatics
who can draw attention from all age group but only for a short while.
A singing performance
Page 12 of 68
A circus skills performance A dancing performance
4.2.2 Purpose of the street performer to perform
From the interviews with the street performers Mr. Tom Tong (singer), Ms Lau
(dancer), Mr. Tang Ying Kit (painter) and Mr. Lyson Sze (freestyle football player), they
all stated that the primary purpose of doing street performance is for their own
interest or to fulfill their desire of performance. They feel well when the performance
is appreciated by their fans or audiences. As the band singer, Tom, said that “My
interest is to sing. People like what I sing and I am happy to perform here.” Most of
the performers put this as the first purpose of doing street performance.
The performers perform for
their own interest.
Page 13 of 68
Another purpose of doing street performance is to make direct or indirect financial
benefit. The direct financial benefit is the donation or tip from the audiences and
onlookers, the donation or tip is a source of income to support their living. Mr. Sze
said, “One of the main purposes for me to perform is to earn money to support my
living. I need the money to pay rents and telephone bills.”
Street performers in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation can expose themselves to the
public and help them to get more job opportunities. Tom and Mr. Sze are invited to
perform in some functions or events. Tom said, “I was invited by restaurants to
perform during their dinner services.” Mr. Sze said, “There are schools inviting me to
teach the students football. Some shopping mall operators also invite me to play
freestyle football for marketing purpose. I can earn money from these shows.” Some
live bands also organize mini concert for their fans on regular basis. All these are
indirect benefit from street performance.
From the observation, the street performances are in commercial nature to a large
extent. All of the street performers put a box in front of them to receive tips or
donations from the audience. The performers with around 200 audiences can receive
$50‐60 per minute. These shows the performers can meet their second purpose.
The street performer puts a
box in front of him to generate
donations from the audience.
Page 14 of 68
4.2.2 Reasons for performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation instead of other
areas.
The following table shows the interviewees’ reasons of performing in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation instead of other areas.
Tom Jo Ten Mr.Sze Ms Lau
It is free of charge, no rental is required v v v v
It is located in the central part of
Kowloon, which is easily accessible by
public vehicles
v v v v
Plenty of passers‐by/pedestrians v v v
There are sufficient spaces v v v
The unique atmosphere and culture of
the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
v v
It is more well‐known by public than
other places
v v
Need not to apply for license or permit v
First, all of the interviewees stated that they perform in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation because no rental is required. The street performing is without any
entry ticket and donation from audience or onlooker is their important income
source. They cannot afford to pay for performance venue.
Second, all the interviewees perform in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation because it is
located in the central of Kowloon, which is easily accessible by public vehicles such as
the MTR, buses and minibuses. The general public and fans can get to Mongkok for
leisure easily.
Third, three of the interviewees said that Mongkok with highly congested residential
and retailing areas. There are residents and shoppers in the Pedestrianisation area,
they turn out as onlookers or audiences of street performances. (From questionnaire
to audience, it is found that more than 50% of audience is passers‐by). The band
singer, Mr. Tom Tong, said, “There are many people pass by this area. Therefore,
there is more audience watching my performance and I can provide entertainment
and share joy with more people.” Mr Sze also said, “There are more pedestrians in
Mongkok so I can share the football culture to more people.”
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Fourth, three of the interviewees said that there are adequate spaces in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Mr. Sze said, “There are plenty of spaces here. There is
no restriction for me to perform, so as space for onlookers.”
Fifth, two of the interviewees stated that the reason of performing in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation is because of the atmosphere and culture there. Mongkok is more
for common people and grass root level. From Mr. Tong, “There are many people
performing singing here. Mongkok has unique culture and characteristic, the
performances suit the Mongkok people. So I would also like to perform here.” The
artist selling handcraft also stated that their products are low‐priced products that fit
the consumer power of the area.
Sixth, two of the interviewees believed that the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is more
well‐known in street performing when comparing with other places which allow
street performances.
Seventh, one needs not to apply for license when performing in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. For performing in Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza4 and the
Amphitheatre in Tsuen Wan Park5, performers have to apply for permit from the
Leisure and Cultural Services Department. They also doubt if they can meet all their
criteria and able to get the licenses.
[4] Press Releases (2012). Applications invited for HK Cultural Centre Arts and Crafts Fair stalls.
Retrieved from
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201205/18/P201205180230.htm
[5] Leisure and Cultural Services Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (2014). Facilities, Tsuen Wan Park. Retrieved from
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/twp/en/fac.html
Page 16 of 68
4.2.3 Street performers’ opinions towards the policies and rules of performing in
the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
The street performers do not think the current opening days of the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation is long enough. Three out of the four interviewees think the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation should be opened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One of
them even thinks that the Mongkok Pedestrianisation should be opened for street
performances every day. Three of them think that the current opening time is
appropriate and one of them proposes the closing time be 11:00 p.m.
The performers think the government should not intervene into the street
performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Mr Sze said, “The government does
not have knowledge about this area. They will only create chaos.” Mr. Tong said,
“Everyone can have a chance to perform here. Street perfumers can make comprise
and regulated themselves.”
They also think the government should not tighten the control on noise level. The
street performers think they are self‐disciplined. They are willing to lower their
volume if there is complaint.
From the observation and previous record, there is not many conflicts found that
what the performers expressed is true. They are self‐disciplined and they do not
argue with the other performers to occupy more space for performing.
Compendium
The street performers are aimed in entertaining others and in return, satisfy their
desire of performance. They can also get reasonable income from performing there.
On the other hand, Mongkok is easily accessible, highly populated, and well know in
street performance make them feel it is better location than others.
They do not want the government to implement extra rule or regulation to govern
them and believe they are self –disciplined and able to regulated themselves and
keep the Pedestrianisation area in good order. However, the other stakeholders may
not agree with this. This will be further discussed in the later parts.
Page 17 of 68
4.3 Analysis on the Audience
The questionnaires are distributed randomly to the street performance audience in
the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
4.3.1 Audience’s age group
below 20 21%
21‐40 24%41‐60
34%
61 or above 21%
Age Groups of the audience
For the survey, it seems that the age groups of audience are equally distributed. Each
age group is around 20% (21‐24%) and 41‐60 at 34%. This implies the street
performance there can fit different ago groups’ interests. From observation, it is easy
to find that age groups 41‐60 and 61 or above are more interested in the live band
shows whereas the other two age groups is more on the other type of street
performance.
Page 18 of 68
4.3.2 Frequency and Habits of watching the street performances
Just for the first time 18%
Once to twice a month 47%
Three times to four times a
month 26%
More than five times a month
8%
Every time 1%
Frequency of watching street performances
5‐10 minutes 15%
11‐20 minutes 18%
21‐30 minutes 24%
31‐60 minutes 32%
more than 1 hour 11%
Time spent on watching the performances every time
There are a total of 35% of the responded audiences watch the street performances
three times or above every month. Watching street performances is their habit.
45% of the audiences spend more than 31 minutes to watch the street performances
each time, showing they enjoy watching the performances.
Page 19 of 68
4.3.3 Reasons of watching the street performances
just pass by 53%
for leisure 27%
to support the
performers 16%
to learn about local culture 4%
Reasons of watching the street performances
This data shows that 53% audience and onlookers are passers‐by and 47% of them go
to Mongkok on purpose. This can reflect the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a place
with many people passes by. 27% of the respondents watch the street performances
for leisure. 16% of the respondents watch the performances to support the street
performers and 4% of them watch them to learn about local culture.
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4.3.4 Popularity of different street performances
54
26
14 15 9
13 10 7 6
Performances the audience has watched
It is found that the singing performances are the most popular performances in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Performances such as playing instruments, circus skills,
dancing and painting are also well known among the audience. However, the magic,
handicraft arts, drama and calligraphy performances are less popular among the
audience.
From the observation, the singing performances have more audience than other
performances. By rough head count, the singer, Mr. Tom Tong, has 200 audiences in
circle; a dancing group was has around 70 onlookers; while a painter was only
surrounded by 10 onlookers. Audiences/onlookers also stay longer time in watching
singing performance.
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4.3.5 Comments towards street performances from the audience
strongly agree 32%
agree 42%
neutral 13%
disagree 6%
strongly disagree 5%
no comment 2%
Watching the street performances is enjoyable
72% of the respondents enjoy watching the street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. Only 11% of the respondents do not enjoy watching the street
performances. This reflects majority of the audience has positive views towards the
street performances.
Positive Comments on the Street Performances
39 35
31
18
2
They are They can They can make The No positive entertaining promote local the atmosphere performances comment
culture bustling and are diversified joyful
Out of the 62 respondents, 39 of them find the street performances are entertaining.
35 of them think the street performances can make the atmosphere bustling and
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joyful. 31 of the respondents find the street performances can promote local culture.
18 of them feel that the performances are diversified. However, 2 of them do not
have any positive comments.
The audience has all these positive comments so this explains why they enjoy
watching street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Negative Comments on the Street Performances
43
32
23
63 3
They make They cause They cause They block They cause No negative the noise light the way hygienic comments
environment pollution pollution problem be over‐crowded
Out of the 62 respondents, most (43) of them think that the street performances
make the environment be over‐crowded and 6 of them think the street
performances block the ways. From the observation; the street performances did
make the area become more crowded. However, people could still walk through
without spending much time, there was not much difficulty to walk around the area.
The performers also had enough spaces to perform. There were spaces between
each performer. The audience also had sufficient space to gather around the
performers.
32 of the respondents think that the performances cause noise pollution. From the
observation, all (8) of the singers performed with microphones and five of them
played with instruments such as guitar or keyboard. The circus skills and dancing
performers also play music for their performances. Thus, the performers created
loud noise. Even if people stand on the other street nearby, they could still hear the
sound of people singing.
6 of the respondents also think the street performances cause hygienic problems.
They think the performances make the streets dirtier. It is a reasonable claim
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because the areas near the rubbish bins were not clean as seen from the observation.
The rubbish bins could not hold all the rubbish so people just threw the rubbish next
to the rubbish bins. Most of the rubbish was food package or wastes from the
audience. However, there are street cleaners cleaning and sweeping the streets
regularly. Thus, generally speaking, the hygienic level in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation was acceptable.
4.3.6 Opinions towards the suitability of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation to carry
out street performances
strongly agree 13%
agree 50%
neutral 19%
disagree 13%
strongly disagree
3%
no comment 2%
It is suitable to carry out street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation
63% of the respondents agree that the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is suitable for
street performances. 19% of them stay neutral and only 16% of the respondents
think it is not a suitable place.
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42
15
8
easily accessible spacious space limited impacts to the shops and residents nearby
Reasons of why the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for
street performances
For the audience who thinks the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for
street performances, 42 of them think it is because the place is easily accessible. The
transportation to the Mongkok Pedestrianisation was convenient. There are 2 MTR
exits in the Pedestrianisation. Many bus and minibus stations are also located near
the pedestrianisation. Therefore, people can go there conveniently and watch the
street performances.
15 of them think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is spacious so it is suitable for street
performances. The Mongkok Pedestrianisation is spacious because it can be
observed that the performers had enough spaces to perform. There were spaces
between each performer. The audience also had sufficient space to gather around
the performers.
Moreover, 8 of them think the street performances bring limited impacts to the
shops and residents nearby so it is suitable to perform there. From the observation,
all of the street performers also leave before 10:05p.m., bringing limited
disturbances to the residents’ sleeping time. Even though the performances bring
harms to certain businesses, they bring benefits to the businesses selling
non‐expensive commodities.
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21
9
14
8 6
It is over‐crowded
The street performances cause noise pollution
Cause inconvenience to the residents and shops nearby
Affect safety Congested traffic nearby
Reasons of why the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is not a suitable place for
street performances
For the respondents who think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is not a suitable place
for street performances, 21 of them think the area is over‐crowded, 14 of them think
the performances cause inconvenience to the residents and shops nearby, 9 of them
think the street performances cause noise pollution, 8 of them think they affect
safety and 6 of them think the congested traffic nearby make the area unsuitable for
street performances.
4.3.7 Observation on the audience
The audience enjoys watching the street performances. They pay attention to the
performances. Some of the audiences follow the singers to sing; some are clapping
and some are dancing.
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These four photos show the audiences enjoy watching the street
performances and dance during the performances.
The audience supports the street performers. There are quite a number of on‐lookers
donating money to the street performers. For some performers with more audience,
they can receive $50‐60 per minute. This can bring them economic interests.
4.3.8 The audience’s opinions towards the policies and rules of performing in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation
Concerning the opening time
yes 71%
no 29%
Whether the opening hour of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is long
enough
The current opening hour of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is at 4‐10p.m. on
Saturday and at 12‐10p.m. on Sunday. 71% of the responded audience thinks the
opening hour of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is enough while 29% of them think it
is not.
For the street performers, all of the 4 interviewed performers think the opening hour
is not long enough.
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1 day per week 2%
2 days per week 13%
3 days per week 32%
4 days per week 23%
5 days per week 11%
6 days per week 3%
7 days per week 16%
Number of days per week the Mongkok Pedestrianisation should be
opened for street performances
32% of the responded audience thinks that the Mongkok Pestrianisation should be
opened three days per week. This is the most chosen option. When comparing with
the opinions of the four interviewed street performers, Tom, Mr. Tam and Jo Ten
thought that the Mongkok Pedestriaisation should be opened three days a week
(Friday to Sunday) while Ms Lau said that the pedestrianisation should be opened
every day. This shows that even though the audience is satisfied with the number
of opening days of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation, the audience and the street
performers think that the area can be opened one more day per week.
9:00 p.m. 24%
10:00 p.m. 31%
11:00 p.m. 32%
others 13%
Time the Mongkok Pedestrianisation should be
closed
The Mongkok Pedestrianisation is closed at 10p.m. currently. However, 32 % of the
responded audience thinks the Pedestrianisation should be closed later, at 11p.m.
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These echoes with the views of the interviewed street performers, all of them think
the performing time should end at 11:00p.m. instead.
However, to the residents and shop owners, they think the Mongkok
Pedestriansiation should be closed earlier, 10p.m. is appropriate while some even
want it closes at 9:00p.m.
Concerning the policies and regulations
Yes 89%
No 11%
Whether the government should tighten the
control on noise level
Yes 35%
No 65%
Whether the street performers apply for a license before they
perform
In the audience’s point of view, 89% of them think the government should tighten
the control on noise level. Regarding whether the street performers should apply for
a license before performing, only 35% of the responded audience thinks it is
necessary. This shows that the audience thinks the current noise level is too high but
is satisfied with the current performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Compendium
Majority of the audience are in the middle age and elderly group. Audiences in these
age groups watch each singing performance for a longer than the younger people.
The singing performances are the most popular among the audience. It may be
because the singers usually perform the pop songs in the 1960s‐90s. From the
questionnaires, it is the audiences’ habits to watch street performances. The street
performances provide entertainment to the audience.
They watch the street performances because they just pass by the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation and for leisure. Majority of the audience enjoys watching street
performances. They think the street performances are entertaining, can make the
atmosphere bustling and are diversified.
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However, their concerns are street performances making the area be more crowded
and bring noise nuisance. The audience also contributes to the noise nuisance and
congestion in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation because the clap and sing along the
singing performances and gather around the performers.
Majority of the audience also think that the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable
place for street performances. It is mainly due to the area is easily accessible, is
spacious for diversified performances.
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4.4 Impacts of the street performances to the residents in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation
4.4.1 Noise level ‐ A Major concern
The major concern from the residents is the noise level of the street performances.
From the interviews with the 6 residents in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation, they all
complaint the noise produced by the street performances is disturbing. From the
interview, a resident, Ms Chan, said, “The noise from the singing performances is
disturbing. It is so noisy!” From another interviewee, Mr. Lee, he said that the noise
from the street performances makes the children cannot concentrate on doing
homework.
4.4.2 Other impacts
Congestion
The residents also found that the street performers, onlookers and the audience
sometimes block their ways and it may takes more time to walk through the
pedestrianisation. From the interviewee, Ms Chan, said, “Many people gather in the
pedestrianisation during the street performance hours, there is crowded on onlooker
block the way and it takes me more time to walk through.
From the observation, it is found that the pedestrianisation area is crowded with
audience and even occupies some space of the pedestrian way. As a result,
pedestrian needs to slow down their footstep occasionally but still can pass thought
without blocking down their movement.
Light Pollution and hygienic condition
The residents do not think there is any light pollution caused by street performances.
From the site visit, there is no street performance need extra light sources which
causes light pollution.
The residents also feel the hygienic conditions in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is
acceptable. It is hard to say the street performance will bring with extra rubbish as
that area is always with high flow of pedestrian. The residents said that the Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department have scheduled for street cleaners to sweep and
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clean the street several times a day. Hence, they feel that Hygienic conditions is not
altered much even with street performance there.
The hygienic condition in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
The street cleaners sweep and
clean the streets.
From actual site visit on week day, weekend and Sunday, it is found that there is
street cleaner to sweep the street and clean up the rubbish bin on regular basis.
There is no difference in hygienic conditions between week days and the day with
street performance.
Air pollution
Some resident at lower floor say that street performance can help to improve air
pollution problem indirectly. As the Mongkok Pedestrianisation does not open for
vehicular traffic in the weekends, they think the air quality is better as street
performances will not emit carbon dioxide but the automobiles will.
4.4.3 Views towards the rules in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
All of the interviewees think that the government should control the noise level of
the street performers in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. They believe they can have
better quality of life when the noise level in the area is lower.
Some of the residents suggest the opening hours end at 9:00 p.m. as some may go to
bed after that.
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Compendium
The noise nuisance from the street performances is the major concern of the
residents living in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Lower the sound level limit and
shorten the open time of Pedestrianisation seems to be the only solution.
Other than the noise nuisance, it is there is not much negative impact on them.
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4.5 Impacts of the street performances to the shops in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation
4.5.1 Positive Impacts
From the interviews with a staff of a shop selling fruit juice, snacks and drinks, she
said,” The street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation can bring more
customers to the shops in that area. Many of the audience buy food from us. We can
do more business when the street performers perform here. There are more
business opportunities than on weekdays.” Other two small shops selling mobile
phone cover and snack whose owners also said that Street Performance can bring in
more people to Mongkok and can contribute their business. Only with this benefit,
they can tolerate a higher sound level as generated by street performers. They also
said that the noise level will not affect the operation much.
From the newspaper of Apple Daily, a shop owner in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation,
Ms Ng, admitted that the street performers bring more business opportunities to the
shops. The locals are willing to shop around after watching the street performances.6
From visual check on shops at two sides of Mongkok Pedestrianisation during the
street performance period, it is found that there are still many people shopping in
boutiques, cosmetic shops, food stalls and small stalls selling smart phone covers.
Their business seems not affect by the street performance.
Moreover, it is observed that there are onlookers/audience walking into these shops
after 10 p.m. (after the street performances end). Some of these shops closed at
11:00 or even later while the shops on the next street are closed at 10:00‐10:30pm.
[6] Apple Daily (2013). 行人專用區限星期六日及公眾假開放 旺角「殺街」居民歡迎 街頭藝人失
望. Retrieved from :‐
http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20131122/18518944
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4.5.2 Negative Impacts
Noise Nuisance
The noise from the street performances disturbs the business of some of the shops.
From the interviews with the shop owner of Brighter Optical Centre, he said the
noise from the street performances is disturbing their business activities. He said,
“The noise level is too high and I can hardly communicate with the customers. This is
hindering me from providing eyesight testing services to the customers.”
Therefore, it is found that the noise from the street performances disturb the shops
which provide services to people.
Congestion
The street performances also make the road become congested and block the ways
to get into some shops in Mongkok Pedestrianisation. From the spectacles shop
owner, he said, “The audience makes the road become congested. Some even gather
outside my shop. The crowd of audience blocks my customers coming into my shop.”
The congestion problem in the
Mongkok Pedestrinisation
According to the data from the Yau Tsim Mong District Council, Mr Chow Chun‐fai,
the district councilor, said that he often receives complaints from the shop
owners and residents in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. They complain
about the noise and the congestion caused by the street performances.
Moreover, according to the data from the Food and Environmental Hygiene
Department, the department received 20 complaints about the congestion caused by
the street performances and 6 complaints about the noise from the street
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‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
performances in the first half of 2013. 7
4.5.3 Views towards the rules in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
From the interviews, many shop owners think the government should
control the noise level in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation strictly.
From the interview, the staff in the fruit juice shop thinks the opening hour
of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is appropriate. However, the spectacles
shop owner thinks the opening hour can be shortened to 6:00p.m. to
10:00p.m..
Compendium
The street performances bring positive and negative impacts to the shops in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation. It depends on the nature of the shops.
For the shops selling non‐expensive commodities, the huge pedestrian flow brought
by the street performances gives them more customers and business opportunities.
However, for the shops selling durable and luxury items, the customers are not
willing to shop there if it is too noisy. Moreover, some shops may be blocked by the
audiences too.
The shops only concern about the noise and congestion problems. They want the
government to control the noise level in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
[2] District Councils (2013). 2012 至2015 年度油尖旺區議會
交 通 運 輸 委 員 會 第 九 次 會 議 記 錄 . Retrieved from
http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/ytm/doc/tc/committee_meetings_minutes/TTC/TTC_Minutes_9th
_18.7.2013_C.pdf
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5. Discussions
The environment of Mongkok Pedestrianisation
From the questionnaires, more than 50% of the audience/onlooker are passers‐by.
With the high residential and moving population of Mongkok area, it may turn into a
huge passers‐by group. It is estimate by Transportaion Depatment that the
pedestrian flow at Sai Yeung Choi Street South is up to about 20,000 pedestrians per
hour. This is one of the sources of audience/onlooker. In this respect, Mongkok
Pedestrianisation a suitable place to carry out street performances.
Secondly, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is easily accessible from different parts of
Hong Kong. The public or fans can go to Mongkok Pedestrianisation by underground
or public vehicle. The same apply to performers. The performance zone is at the exits
of Mongkok MTR station; all these convenient make it a suitable location for street
performance.
Thirdly, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation spacious for street performances. 15 out of
the 62 responded audiences and 3 out of the 4 interviewees think that there is
adequate space so it is suitable for street performances. From the observation, the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation can accommodate 17 groups of performers and the
audience at the same time. With plentiful spaces, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a
suitable place for street performances.
Fourthly, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is well known to the local people on its
diversified street performances. Different varieties of street performances assemble
there. This attracts people going there and enjoys the performances. Just as 2 of the
interviewed street performers said, since there are many different street
performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation, there is a unique atmosphere. This
image makes the Mongkok Pedestrianisation suitable for street performances.
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Impacts to different stakeholders
The street performances bring positive and negative impacts to various stakeholders.
The street performances can bring more people to the area and some shops are
benefit from it. On the other hand, some may find the noise level affect their
operation and some even feel the crowd of audience block the entrance and make
customer difficult to get in.
From the interviews with the shop owner and the residents in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation, they think the noise from the street performances is disturbing
their daily operation and lives. They also think that the street performances bring
congestion problem. There is the pro and con on this issue.
The residents living nearby are suffering from the noise and congestion caused by
street performance. The Government, the street performer and even the audiences
should do something for them.
Meeting the street performers’ purposes
The street performers admitted in the interviews that street performances can satisfy
their own interest and share joy with others, getting direct income from donation/tip
and even can help to generate extra works. They can do better in Mongkok
Pedestrianisation than in other area. As such the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a
suitable place for street performer.
Satisfying the audience
For the audience, they can have free entertainment by watching the street
performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Some of them make watch the
performances as a habit. The middle age and old people enjoy watching live band
singing pop songs of 60‐80s because they may not find the same type of
entertainment elsewhere. While the young people can understand more about Hong
Kong culture from this show too. For other street performers, they do provide some
fun and leisure to onlooker and shopper drop by.
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Rules and legislations
Currently, there is no law particularly pin point to street performances but only
governed by the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap. 228), the Noise Control
Ordinance (Cap. 400) and the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance
(Cap. 390).
The government should look into implement new law or regulation applicable to
street performance, such as more stringent control on noise level and implement
licenses system. Maybe street performers not like such to happen but the
government ought to give considerations to stakeholders suffering from street
performance in the area.
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6. Conclusion
After many interviews, survey, field visits and research works, I feel the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation is suitable for street performances.
Firstly, the environment and infrastructure of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation makes
it suitable for street performances. It is easily accessible, has large pedestrian flow,
adequate space and is well‐known for its diversified street performances. These
satisfy the needs of the street performers and the audience.
Secondly, the audience enjoys the street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. For some audiences, watching the street performances is their
habits. Majority of the audience are from the middle‐age and elderly group. The
singing performances including live bands and solo singing old Cantonese pop songs
and English oldies, from the field visit, one can find the audiences highly enjoy the
shows. Easy to access to Mongkok is important for them. Before there is another
place for performance of this nature, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is still the most
suitable location.
Thirdly, by performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation, street performers can get
direct and indirect income. Some also find self satisfaction because they can show off
their talent and provide entertainment to others at the same time. Many of them
have been performing in Mongkok for several years. They cannot get the same return
when performing in other areas. It is the combination of atmosphere and
environmental factors make Mongkok Pedestrianisation suitable for street
performing.
Fourth, some shops in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation can get benefits from the large
pedestrian flow. The street performances attract extra visitors come to that area
which can bring more customers and business opportunities to these shops (mostly
selling non‐expensive commodities). This is verified by journalist of Apple Daily. But
for the shops selling durable and luxury products, the noise and congestion problems
affect their operation. Because the street performances are only on Saturday and
Sunday, their customers can visit these shops on week days or before the opening
hour of Pedestrianisation, hence, the overall contribution of street performance to
the retailing business there is still a gain.
Fifth, the residents living nearby the Mongkok Pedestrianisation suffer from the
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noise nuisance generated by the street performances. This is the stakeholder the
government should do something to assist them. I will make recommendation in the
next section.
To analyze, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for street performances.
It has a suitable environment which the street performers and the audiences agree.
The audience enjoys and has the habits to watch the street performances. The street
performers can achieve purposes or needs. Some shops can also benefit from the
street performances.
Although the noise disturbs the residents and some of the shops, the noise level is
supposed to be within the limit of the Noise Control Ordinance because the
performers are seldom charged by local authority of noise nuisance in the past. The
shops should note that there are street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation since year 2006 or earlier, for those luxury goods and durable
products chain stores; they can determine to stay or move to other location. That is
merely commercial decision and not uncommon in their business enviorment. Only
for those residents living in that area, it is unfair for them to live with such noise
nuisance. For which, the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is only opened in the weekends
and keep the impacts to minimal. Anyhow, the government should do more to on
noise control and help the resident suffer less.
Many of the stakeholders can benefit from the street performance, which can
outweigh the negative impacts it brought.
To strike a balance, it can be concluded that the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a
suitable place for street performances.
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7. Recommendation
First, the government should consider changing the opening hours of the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. Since street performances cause noise nuisance to resident nearby
and many of them want to have a quiet night at home on the weekends, it will be
worthwhile to change the open hour from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (instead of 4:00
p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) to comply their needs. It was also found that the residents
generally accept higher noise level at day time than at night as some may go to bed
early. Switching the opening hour advance by one hour but maintaining the same
duration can be a mutual acceptable arrangement.
Second, the government can set up a licenses system to manage street performances
in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Under this system, the government can set up
guidelines to differentiate street promoters from street performers and expel the
internet and telecom service promoters from the area. Such can help to reduce the
congestion. Through issuing the licenses, local authorities can set up stricter control
in sound level and street performers have to comply with it, or otherwise, their
licenses will be cancelled. This will be more effective than charging them a small fine
or penalty according to the Noise Control Ordinance. In addition, the system can also
set obligation to performers requesting them to persuade the audience not to stand
on the pavement footpath and avoid blocking the shop entrance. All these can help
to lower the negative impact of street performance.
Third, The Authority can look into setting up a “low sound level zone” particular for
non‐musical performance such as handicraft, circus skills and magic etc. This can
bring in more varieties of street performance to the area but without creating extra
noise or sound. This can also help to make Mongkok Pedestrianisation more
interesting.
Fourth, if noise level is still an issue, the government should consider lowering the
sound level limit in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Thus the noise nuisance to
residents can be reduced significantly. When the noise level from the performers is
lowered, fewer audiences will crowd around the performers, which can lessen the
congestion problem too. This measure will have a direct impact to those musical
performers and should be considered carefully.
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8. Reflection
It is a valuable experience to do this independent enquiry study. Through this
learning experience, I can understand more about the situation of street
performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation and gain skills which are useful
when I do other projects in the future.
To begin with, I can have a more in‐depth understanding in the street performances
in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. Before I start doing this project, I assume street
performances are usually in low‐quality and bring many negative impacts to other
stakeholders. However, after paying several visits to the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
to learn more about street performances, I found that street performers are
passionate towards their performances and bring joy and entertainment to the
audience. The negative impacts brought to other stakeholders are not as serious as I
thought. I started to pay respect to the street performers and appreciate their
performances.
In the second place, I can learn how to set questionnaires and in‐depth interview
questions related to the focus questions. As my project involves data from different
stakeholders, I learn to organize the data and divide them into different categories so
that the readers can follow easily.
However, there are still some limitations and rooms for improvement in this project.
Firstly, I can only interview 4 residents and 2 shop owners in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation because of time limitation. It is also because the residents did not
want to be interviewed and some of the staff in the chain shops refused to answer
questions during their work. If I could do this project once again, I would interview
more shop owners so that I can collect more shop owners’ opinions towards street
performances and have a more thorough understanding in their perspective.
Secondly, it is difficult to say whether the sales of the shops in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation has increased or not because of the large pedestrian flow brought
by the street performances. The shopkeepers and owners are reluctant to reveal
their sales figures so I can only guess whether their businesses are positively or
negatively affected by the street performances by rough head count.
Third, I could not interview the Yau Tsim Mong district councilor. As the district
councilor has a busy schedule, he refused to be interviewed. His assistant also
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refused to answer my questions about the impacts of the street performances on the
residents and shops in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. As the residents and shop
owners usually file their complaints about the street performances to the district
council, the district councilor should have a better understanding on the impacts of
street performances to the residents and shop owners. Thus, I can only collect the
opinions from these two stakeholders from my few interviewees, which may not
reveal all of the stakeholders’ concerns.
Last but not least, I pay my deepest gratitude to the following people for their help
and guidance in the process of completing this project.
I would like to thank my teacher for his patience and guidance; and for giving me
useful advice from the beginning to the end of doing this project. I would also like to
express my gratitude towards the street performances audience for their time spent
on completing the questionnaires. I am grateful for the useful information from the
interviewees gave during the interviews. I would also like to show my gratitude to my
parents who have encouraged and supported me in completing this study
successfully.
Page 44 of 68
9. References
AM730 新聞 (2010). 銅鑼灣表演雜技被控阻街 蘇春就罪名不成立 . Retrieved
from :‐http://www.am730.com.hk/article.php?article=22730
Apple Daily (2013). 行人專用區限星期六日及公眾假開放 旺角「殺街」居民歡迎
街頭藝人失望. Retrieved from
http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20131122/18518944
Department of Justice, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(2013). Cap 400 Noise Control Ordinance. Retrieved from
http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_pdf.nsf/6799165D2FEE3FA94825755E0033E532/6
23856598016DFD5482575EF0002A7A7?OpenDocument&bt=0
District Councils (2013). 2012 至2015 年度油尖旺區議會
交通運輸委員會 第九次會議記錄 . Retrieved from :‐
http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/ytm/doc/tc/committee_meetings_minutes/TTC/T
TC_Minutes_9th_18.7.2013_C.pdf
Leisure and Cultural Services Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (2014). Facilities, Tsuen Wan Park. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/twp/en/fac.html
Legislative Council (2008). 蘇春就對「設於私人發展項目內的公共設施」的書面意
見 Retrieved from :‐
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr07‐08/chinese/panels/plw/papers/dev0531cb1‐1681‐4‐c.
[2] Press Releases (2006). LCQ6: Street performance. Retrieved from :‐http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/08/P200611080175.htm
Press Releases (2010). LCQ2: Street performances. Retrieved from :‐
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201007/14/P201007140225.htm
Press Releases (2012). Applications invited for HK Cultural Centre Arts and Crafts
Fair stalls. Retrieved from:‐
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201205/18/P201205180230.htm
Page 45 of 68
Transport Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(2013). Transport Department, Pedestrainisation. Retrieved from:‐
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisati
on/index.html
Transport Department, The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(2013). Transport Department, Pedestrainisation, Mongkok. Retrieved from:‐
http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/pedestrianisation/pedestrianisati
on/mong_kok/index.html
Page 46 of 68
10. Appendices
10.1 Questionnaires distributed to the audience
Personal information 個人資料
1. What is your gender? 你的性別是
Male男
Female女
2. What is your age? 你的年齡是
Below 20 20歲或以下
21‐40 21至40歲
41‐60 41至60歲
61or above 61或以上
Practice of watching street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation (在旺角行人專用區觀看街頭表演的習慣)
3. How often do you watch the street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
你會多久在旺角行人專用區觀看街頭表演?
Just for the first time 這只是第 1次
Once to twice a month 每月 1至 2次
Three times to four times a month每月 3至 4次 (skip Q5跳過第 5題)
More than five times a month每月多於 5次 (skip Q5跳過第 5題)
4. How much time will you spend on watching the performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation every time?
你每次會花多少時間觀看在旺角行人專用區的街頭表演?
5‐10 minutes 5至 10分鐘
11‐20 minutes 11至 20分鐘
21‐30 minutes 21至 30分鐘 (skip Q5跳過第 5題)
30‐60 minutes 30至 60分鐘 (skip Q5跳過第 5題)
More than 1 hour 多於 1小時 (skip Q5跳過第 5題)
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5. Why do you watch the street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation for
such a low frequency/for such a short time? (can choose more than 1 answer)
為什麼你看過街頭表演的次數這麼少?/為什麼你只花這麼少時間觀看街頭
表演?(可選多於一個答案)
The performances are boring 表演沉悶
There are limited varieties of performances 表演不夠多元化
The environment is so noisy 環境很嘈吵
The pedestrianisation is so crowded 行人專用區很擠迫
The transportation is not convenient 交通不方便
Other reasons其他:___________
6. What kinds of street performances will you watch/have you watched before in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation? (can choose more than 1 answer)
你在旺角行人專用區將會觀看/觀看過那類街頭表演? (可選多於一個答案)
Singing 唱歌
Playing instrument 演奏樂器
Dancing 舞蹈
Circus skills 雜耍
Magic 魔術
Painting 繪畫
Handicraft arts 手工
Drama 畫劇
Calligraphy 書法
Others其他:__________
7. Why do you come and watch the performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
(can choose more than 1 answer)
你為何來旺角行人專用區觀看街頭表演?(可選多於 1個答案)
Just pass by 我只經過這裏
For leisure 消磨時間/娛樂
To support the performers 支持街頭表演者
To learn more about local culture 了解本地文化
Others其它 : _____
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Opinions on the street performances in the Mongkok pedestrianisation對於在旺角行人專用區街頭表演的意見 8. Please indicate your response to the following statements:
I enjoy watching the street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
請在以下這句說話反映你的意見:
我享受在旺角行人專用區觀看街頭表演
Strongly agree 非常同意
Agree 同意
Neutral 中立
Disagree 不同意
Strongly disagree 非常不同意
No comment 沒有意見
9. What are your positive comments on the street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation? (can choose more than 1 answer)
你對旺角行人專用區裏的街頭表演有什麼正面的評價? (可選多於一個答
案)
They are entertaining 它們有娛樂性
They can promote local culture 它們可推廣本地文化
They can make the atmosphere bustling and joyful 它們令行人專用區裏
的氣氛歡樂及熱鬧
The performances are diversified 表演是多元化的
Others其它: _______
I don't have any positive comment 我對它們沒有正面評價
10. What are your negative comments on the street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation? (can choose more than 1 answer)
你對旺角行人專用區裏的街頭表演有什麼負面的評價?(可選多於一個答案)
They make the environment be over‐crowded它們令環境過於擠逼
They cause noise pollution它們帶來噪音污染
They cause light pollution 它們帶來光污染
They block the way 它們阻擋通道
They cause hygienic problem 它們帶來衛生問題
Others其它:____________
I don't have any negative comment我對它們沒有負面評價
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11. What are your favourite street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
(can choose more than 1 answer)
以下哪些是你最喜歡的街頭表演? (可選多於一個答案)
Singing 唱歌
Playing instrument 演奏樂器
Dancing 舞蹈
Circus skills 雜耍
Magic 魔術
Painting 繪畫
Handicraft arts 手工
Drama 畫劇
Calligraphy 書法
Others其他:__________
12. Do you think there are enough varieties of street performances?
你認為旺角行人專用區裏的街頭表演多元化嗎?
Yes 夠
No不夠
13. What kinds of performances do you want to see more? (can choose more than
1 answer)
你想觀看多些哪類街頭表演? (可選多於一個答案)
Singing 唱歌
Playing instrument 演奏樂器
Dancing 舞蹈
Circus skills 雜耍
Magic 魔術
Painting 繪畫
Handicraft arts 手工
Drama 畫劇
Calligraphy 書法
Others其他:__________
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14. What kinds of performances should not be shown in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation? (can choose more than 1 answer)
哪些表演不應該在這裏表演? (可選多於一個答案)
Singing 唱歌
Playing instrument 演奏樂器
Dancing 舞蹈
Circus skills 雜耍
Magic 魔術
Painting 繪畫
Handicraft arts 手工
Drama 畫劇
Calligraphy 書法
Others其他:__________
15. Why don’t you want to see the performances you stated in Q15? (can choose
more than 1 answer)
你為什麼認為第 14題中所選的街頭表演不應在這裏表演?(可選多於一個答
案)
They cause so much noise 它們帶來很多嘈音
They are boring 它們很沉悶
The performances are not professional 表演不專業
They are not entertaining 它們沒有娛樂性
They have low cultural value 它們的文化價值低
They are so common, I can watch this kind of performances anywhere 它
們很普通,我在任何地方都可看到這類表演
Others其他:______________________________
Opinions towards the Suitability of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation to carry out street performances
對於在旺角行人專用區進行街頭表演合適性的意見
16. Please indicate your response to the following statements:
I think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for street performances
請在以下這句說話反映你的意見:
我認為旺角行人專用區是一個合適的地方作街頭表演
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Strongly agree 強烈同意
Agree 同意
Neutral 中立
Disagree 不同意
Strongly disagree 強烈不同意
No comment 沒有意見
17. Why do you think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for street
performances? (can choose more than 1 answer)
為何你認為旺角行人專用區是一個合適的地方作街頭表演? (可選多於一個
答案)
Easily accessible 容易到達
Spacious place 地方寬敞
Limited impacts to the residents and shops nearby 對附近居民和店舖構
成有限的影響
Other reason其它:________________
18. Why don’t you think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is a suitable place for street
performances? (can choose more than 1 answer)
為何你不認為旺角行人專用區是一個合適的地方作街頭表演? (可選多於一
個答案)
It is over‐crowded 地點太過擠迫
The street performances cause noise pollution 街頭表演帶來噪音污染
Cause inconvenience to the residents and shops nearby對附近的居民和店
舖構成不便
Affect safety (e.g. the ambulance cannot pass through) 對安全構成影響
(例如 : 救護車不能通過)
Congested traffic nearby 對附近交通造成擠塞
Other reasons其它:________________________
Opinions towards the policies or rules of the Mongkok Pestrianisation對於在旺角行人專用區的政策及條例的意見
19. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation for street
performances is long enough?
你認為旺角行人專用區街頭表演的開放時間是否足夠?
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Yes 是
No 不是
20. How long should the opening hour be?
開放時間應為多久?
Please specify: _____days/week
請指定: ________ 日/星期
From _______ a.m./p.m. to _______ a.m./p.m.
由 _____ 上午/下午至 _____ 上午/下午
21. When should the Mongkok Pedestrianisation be opened? (can choose more
than 1 answer)
旺角行人專用區應何時開放? (可選多於一個答案)
weekday daytime 平日日間
weekday nighttime 平日夜間
weekend daytime 週末日間
weekend nighttime 週末夜間
22. At what time should the Mongkok Pedestrianisation be closed?
旺角行人專用區應何時關閉?
9:00 p.m. 晚上 9時
10:00 p.m. 晚上 10時
11:00 p.m. 晚上 11時
Others:____________ 其它
23. Should the government set a limit on the number of street performers
performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation each day?
政府應否制定每天在旺角行人專用區表演者的人數?
Yes 應該
No 不應該
24. To ensure the nature of performances, should the street performers apply for a
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license before they perform in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
為確保表演的性質,旺角行人專用區的表演者應否在表演前申請許可證?
Yes 應該
No 不應該
25. Should the government divide area for each performer in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
政府應否在旺角行人專用區劃分每個表演者的場地?
Yes 應該
No 不應該
26. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
政府應否在旺角行人專用區加緊控制聲音的水平?
Yes 應該
No 不應該
The End
完結
Thank you!
多謝!
Page 54 of 68
10.2 Interview transcripts of street performers
Interview with street performer (1)
Gender: Male
Age: around 50
Nature of street performance: Singing
Information about their background and performances
1. How long have you been performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
3 years
2. How often do you perform in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
2 nights per week
3. Is performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation your full‐time occupation?
Yes
4. Do you perform for yourself or any organization?
myself
Purposes of performing
5. What are your purposes to perform?
For my own interest, I love singing. I sing also because I want to entertain
people. People here support me. I have fans here.
6. Can performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation meet the above purposes?
Why or why not?
Yes.
7. Why do you come performing here instead of in other places (e.g. Trim Sha Tsui
Cultural Centre, Tsuen Wan Park)?
I do not have to apply or be invited in order to perform here. It is freer to sing
here when comparing to other places. People here also enjoy my
performances.
8. Do you think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is an ideal place for street
performances? Is there any short coming?
Yes, there are many audience and there are fewer restrictions. I can’t think of
any short coming.
Opinions towards the policies or rules of the Mongkok Pestrianisation
9. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok pedestrianisation for street
performances is long enough?
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No
10. How long should the opening hour be?
3 days per week. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
From 4:30p.m. to 10 p.m.
11. When should the Mongkok pedestrianisation be opened?
weekday nighttime, weekend nighttime
12. Should the government set a limit on the number of street performers
performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation each day?
No. Everyone should have a chance to perform freely here.
13. To ensure the nature of performances, should the street performers apply for a
license before they perform in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
No. There is no problem with the current policy and it will become complicated
after the government interfere us.
14. Should the government divide area for each performer in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No. Performers who usually perform here come to the same area everything
they perform. There is no need for the government to do so.
15. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No. We are self‐disciplined now. The police will come to us if someone
complains on our noise level.
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Interview with street performer (2)
Gender: Male
Age: around 30
Nature of street performance: Drawing
Information about their background and performances
1. How long have you been performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
Half year
2. How often do you perform in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
2 nights per week
3. Is performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation your full‐time occupation?
No
4. Do you perform for yourself or any organization?
Myself
Purposes of performing
5. What are your purposes to perform?
For my own interest and to bring happiness to others. I paint for the pass‐by
and they can take the pictures back home as souvenirs.
6. Can performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation meet the above purposes?
Why or why not?
Yes.
7. Why do you come performing here instead of in other places (e.g. Trim Sha Tsui
Cultural Centre, Tsuen Wan Park)?
My home and the place where I go to work are nearby; it is convenient for me
to perform here. There are also more people here so I can share my interest
with more people.
8. Do you think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is an ideal place for street
performances? Is there any short coming?
Yes.
Opinions towards the policies or rules of the Mongkok Pestrianisation
9. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok pedestrianisation for street
performances is long enough?
No
10. How long should the opening hour be?
3 days per week. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
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From 6p.m. to 11 p.m.
11. When should the Mongkok pedestrianisation be opened?
weekday nighttime, weekend nighttime
12. Should the government set a limit on the number of street performers
performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation each day?
No.
13. To ensure the nature of performances, should the street performers apply for a
license before they perform in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
No.
14. Should the government divide area for each performer in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No.
15. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No.
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Interview with street performer (3)
Gender: Male
Age: around 30
Nature of street performance: Freestyle football
Information about their background and performances
1. How long have you been performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
3 years
2. How often do you perform in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
2 nights per week
3. Is performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation your full‐time occupation?
No. other occupation: football coach, performer for commercial activities
4. Do you perform for yourself or any organization?
Myself
Purposes of performing
5. What are your purposes to perform?
After suffering from an injury in 2012, I started performing here. It is my dream
and interest to perform and promote freestyle football to others. By
performing freestyle football, I can promote World Cup and football culture to
the public.
I can also gain money.
6. Can performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation meet the above purposes?
Why or why not?
Yes. I can perform in a near distance from the audience in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. We can interact and I think I can promote freestyle football
to them successfully.
After becoming more popular here, some people find me to perform in
different commercial activities and I can earn $2000 to $3000 per event. Some
also find me to be the coach of football classes for kids. The pedestrian like my
performance and they also tip me. Therefore, I can earn money by performing
here.
7. Why do you come performing here instead of in other places (e.g. Trim Sha Tsui
Cultural Centre, Tsuen Wan Park)?
First, there are more pedestrian in Mongkok so I can share the football culture
to more people. Second, performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is
performing on the street. I can have closer distance from the audience and
have more interaction with them.
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8. Do you think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is an ideal place for street
performances? Is there any short coming?
Yes.
Opinions towards the policies or rules of the Mongkok Pestrianisation
9. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok pedestrianisation for street
performances is long enough?
Yes.
10. How long should the opening hour be?
3 days per week. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
From 2p.m. to 10 p.m.
11. When should the Mongkok pedestrianisation be opened?
weekday nighttime, weekend nighttime
12. Should the government set a limit on the number of street performers
performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation each day?
No. The situation will then be so complicated.
13. To ensure the nature of performances, should the street performers apply for a
license before they perform in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
No. The government does not have related knowledge in this area. They will
only make the situation become chaotic.
14. Should the government divide area for each performer in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No.
15. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No. People can be self‐disciplined.
Page 60 of 68
Interview with street performer (4)
Gender: Female
Age: around 60
Nature of street performance: Dancing
Information about their background and performances
1. How long have you been performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
4 years
2. How often do you perform in the Mongkok pedestrianisation?
2 nights per week
3. Is performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation your full‐time occupation?
No
4. Do you perform for yourself or any organization?
A group
Purposes of performing
5. What are your purposes to perform?
It is my interest to dance here. People who like dancing can join me whenever
they like. I can also share happiness to them.
6. Can performing in the Mongkok pedestrianisation meet the above purposes?
Why or why not?
Yes. There are many people in this area; they are interested in watching our
performance. People are willing to us and dance.
7. Why do you come performing here instead of in other places (e.g. Trim Sha Tsui
Cultural Centre, Tsuen Wan Park)?
The Mongkok Pedestrianisation is easily accessible. We can also perform here
without restriction.
8. Do you think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation is an ideal place for street
performances? Is there any short coming?
Yes.
Opinions towards the policies or rules of the Mongkok Pestrianisation
9. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok pedestrianisation for street
performances is long enough?
No.
10. How long should the opening hour be?
Every day from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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11. When should the Mongkok pedestrianisation be opened?
weekday nighttime, weekend nighttime
12. Should the government set a limit on the number of street performers
performing in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation each day?
No.
13. To ensure the nature of performances, should the street performers apply for a
license before they perform in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
No.
14. Should the government divide area for each performer in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No.
15. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation?
No.
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10.3 Interview transcripts of shop owners
Interviewee 1: Staff of a shop selling fruit juice
1. What kind of products do you sell?
Our shop sells fresh fruit juice, some drinks and snacks.
2. Do the street performances positively affect your daily operation?
How?
The street performances in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation can bring more
customers to the shops in that area. Many of the audience buy food from
us. We can do more business when the street performers perform here.
There are more business opportunities than on weekdays.
3. Do the street performances negatively affect your daily operation?
How?
No, not really.
4. Do you think the noise level in the Mongkok pedestrianisation
acceptable?
The noise level is a bit high but it is acceptable.
5. Do you think the street performers and the audience are blocking the
ways?
No.
6. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok pedestrianisation for
street performances is long enough?
Yes, it is appropriate.
7. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
Yes, it can.
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Interviewee 2: shop owner of a spectacles shop
1. What kind of products do you sell?
My shop sells glasses and provides eyesight testing services
2. Do the street performances positively affect your daily operation?
How?
No.
3. Do the street performances negatively affect your daily operation?
How?
The noise level is too high and I can hardly communicate with the
customers. This is hindering me from providing eyesight testing services to
the customers. The audience makes the road become congested. Some
even gather outside my shop. The crowd of audience blocks my customers
coming into my shop.
4. Do you think the noise level in the Mongkok pedestrianisation
acceptable?
No. the noise level is too high.
5. Do you think the street performers and the audience are blocking the
ways?
Yes, they block the way in front of my shop.
6. Do you think the opening hour of the Mongkok pedestrianisation for
street performances is long enough?
It is too long. I think the opening hour can be shortened to 6:00p.m. to
10:00p.m..
7. Should the government tighten the control on noise level in the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation?
Yes.
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10.4 Interview summary with resident nearby
Four residents are interviewed. All of them think that the noise from the street
performances disturbs their daily lives. Even though the street performances stop at
10 p.m., which do not disturb their sleeping time, they think living under noise is
chivvy. One of the residents say the noise makes the children cannot concentrate on
doing homework. The street performers and the audience also sometimes block
their ways and it takes time to walk through the pedestrianisation. The noise level is
not acceptable while they think street performances do not deteriorate the hygiene
of the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Two residents think the Mongkok Pedestrianisation should only be opened in
weekends, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. while the other two think the opening hours
can be from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The government should control the noise level in
the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
10.5 Observation report
I visited the Mongkok Pedestrianisation for seven times. I made observations on the
street performers, the audience and the impacts of the street performances on the
Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Target Group: Street performers
First, there are several varieties of street performances. There are 9 singing
performances, 2 painting performances, 1 instrumental performance, 1 dancing
performance, 1 circus skills performance and 1 freestyle football performances. I can
conclude that singing performances are common in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation.
Among the 9 singing performances, 7 of them performed in a group and the
remaining 2 of them performed solo. All of them were singing the 1960s‐90s pop
Cantonese or English songs. All of them performed with microphones and five of
them played with instruments such as guitar or keyboard.
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Second, I found majority of the street performances entertaining and are
professional. The singing performances are the most popular among the
performances. Almost all of the performances were observed by audience. Some
singing performances with better quality are observed by more than 100 people.
Almost all of the street performers observe the rules of the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. A small mumber of them left the pdestrianisation from 9:00‐10:00
p.m. and all of them left the area before 10:30 p.m.
Target group: audience
There was a lot of audience watching the street performances in the Mongkok
Pedestrianisation. There were more than more than 100 people watching a singing
performance with high quality. There were also more than 60 people observing other
singing performances with reasonable quality. In general, there were around 10 to 20
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people observing other performances such as the circus skills and the dancing
performances.
People in different age group watched the street performances. The singing
performances were more popular among the middle‐aged group, around 60% of the
audience watching the singing performances are the middle‐aged people. The
freestyle football performance was more popular among the young people, majority
of the audience are around 15 to 30 years old.
The audience also enjoyed the performances. They paid attention to the
performances and some of them even clapped and danced with the music. They
were also self‐disciplined. They did not push one another and were willing to give
ways to other pedestrians when necessary. Although there were many people, the
situation was not chaotic.
Target: the Mongkok Pedestrianisation
The performers had enough spaces to perform. There were spaces between each
performer. The audience also had sufficient space to gather around the performers.
The street performances did make the area become more crowded. However, people
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could still walk through without spending much time, there was not much difficulty
to walk around the area.
It was quite noisy in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation. I could still hear the songs from
the singer even if I stood around 60 meters away from him.
The hygienic level in the Mongkok Pedestrianisation was acceptable. The streets
were quite clean but the areas near the rubbish bins were not. The rubbish bins
could not hold all the rubbish so people just threw the rubbish next to the rubbish
bins. Most of the rubbish was food package or wastes from the audience. It could be
observed that the audience made the environment dirty.
The transportation to the Mongkok Pedestrianisation was convenient. There are 2
MTR exits in the Pedestrianisation. Many bus and minibus stations are also located
near the pedestrianisation.
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示例 Exemplar
得分 Mark
簡評 Comments
Exemplar 1 9 The candidate provided an in-depth analysis of the impacts and the suitability of the location of street performances from
multiple perspectives (e.g. the concerns of the stakeholders, the fulfilment of legal requirements, hygiene conditions),
exemplifying a high level of critical analysis
S/he put forward a well-justified argument in response to the enquiry question by making good use of the data collected
from various sources (e.g. interviews and field observation). Efforts in gathering evidence and skills in planning the
enquiry framework were well-demonstrated in the comparison of the hygienic conditions on weekends and weekdays
S/he showed a high level of competence in reflecting on the enquiry process (e.g. the limitations of the methodology)
However, some ideas could have been presented in a more concise manner, with the assessment criteria more clearly
spelled out when weighing the pros and cons of street performances in Mongkok