Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling final set for May 24 as 200 places open for ballot

The highlight event of the Cheung Chau Bun Carnival 2026 — the Bun Scrambling Competition — will take place on the night of May 24, with applications opening on February 23.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced on Friday that a total of 200 places will be allocated through a ballot conducted via the SmartPLAY system. Successful applicants will advance to the selection exercise on April 26, with the final 12 contestants qualifying for the Bun Scrambling final on May 24.

The competition is open to individuals aged 18 or above who are in good health and physical condition. Applicants who reside in, work or study on Cheung Chau will be accorded priority in the ballot.

Interested participants must first register as SmartPLAY users and complete identity authentication. E-ballot applications must be submitted via the SmartPLAY mobile app, website or Smart Self-service Stations on or before March 6.

All selected applicants are required to complete safety training sessions on bun tower climbing and fall prevention on April 12 in order to qualify for the selection exercise on April 26. At the exercise, the 24 contestants recording the shortest times in the preliminary round — including no fewer than six female participants — will proceed to the semi-final on the same day to compete for 12 finalist places, including at least three female participants.

The 12 finalists will enter the Bun Scrambling Final on the night of May 24. Trophies will be awarded to the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up in the men’s division, and to the champion in the women’s division. The contestant who bags the highest number of buns within the time limit will win the “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns” prize.

Since 2016, male or female athletes who have claimed three championships in the Bun Scrambling Competition have been honored as the “King of Kings” or “Queen of Queens” and awarded a special trophy. Last year, Janet Kung Tsz-shan clinched her third title and was crowned the “Queen of Queens.”

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee and the LCSD, the Bun Carnival 2026 will feature a series of activities beyond the headline scramble.

The Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay will be held on the morning of May 10, with local tertiary institutions, government departments, public utilities and commercial and industrial organizations invited to take part.

On the same afternoon, a Climbing Carnival will offer bun tower climbing activities, game booths, handicraft workshops and variety performances. A Wishing Bun Tower will be set up, and winning entries from a student drawing competition will be displayed, with members of the public invited to join in the festivities.