Hong Kong Culture Festival 2019 kicks off with Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019

As the city’s arts and culture aficionados are already aware, the annual Hong Kong Cultural Festival aims to preserve and revitalise intangible cultural heritage by promoting public awareness and engagement. Organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Earthpulse Society, its fifth iteration opened with two superlative exhibitions under the title of “Sino Group Presents: Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019”.

A focal component of the festival, the Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019 this year aims to introduce stunning ink artworks from over 10 of the city’s leading art galleries to the public, all in the hopes of highlighting the Fragrant Harbour’s rich cultural diversity and to foster greater dialogue amongst artistic talents across the region.

(From Left) Mr Hing Chao, Mr Zhao Zhijun, Mr Wucius Wong and Ms Juliana Lam — (From Left) Officiating guests Mr Hing Chao, Mr Zhao Zhijun, Mr Wucius Wong and Ms Juliana Lam

The opening ceremony saw many of luminaries of the cultural world in attendance, with its officiating guests including such notable names as Mr Hing Chao, Chairman of Intangible Cultural Heritage Earthpulse Society, Mr Chan Shing Wai, Assistant Director at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Ms Nikki Ng Mien Hua, GM of Sino Group, Ms Juliana Lam, Managing Director of Julius Group.

Mr Wucius Wong introduces Hong Kong Waters Korean Mountains exhibition

The two exhibitions, titled Hong Kong Waters Korean Mountains: Hong Kong and Korea Exchange Art Exhibition and Cacophony of Colours between the Fragrant Harbour and the Steppe: Hong Kong and Inner Mongolia Water Colour Exhibition, are set to run from 19-29 September at Hong Kong Central Library’s Exhibition Gallery.

Mr Zhao Zhijun introduces Cacophony of Colours artworks

The first, curated by ink artist Wucius Wong, comprises artworks created during a cultural trip undertaken by Wong and others to the South Korean island of Jeju. The latter, curated by artist Zhao Zhijun, presents an arresting array of watercolours created by regional artists to portray life in Inner Mongolia and Hong Kong. To find out more about the impetus behind these works, check out our exclusive video coverage of Hong Kong Ink Art Walk 2019 below.

For more details, please visit http://www.hkculturefestival.com

September Events: A round-up of the best happenings in HK this month

A round-up of the can’t-miss happenings in HK this month. From musical act The 1975, theater production Matilda the Musical and Mid-Autumn Festival…

3–7 Sept

HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair

With the timely opening of its 38th edition this month, the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair is back. This year, the event – said to be the world’s most comprehensive chronograph expo – is set to welcome 800 high-end exhibitors and 21,000 eager buyers. For 2019, the show floor has been divided into five themed zones – World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment and Wearable Tech. This is certainly one summer event that guarantees a good time. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. hkwatchfair.hktdc.com

8 Sept

The 1975 Live in Hong Kong

Manchester pop-rock musicians, The 1975, are set to land in Hong Kong this month nearly four years after their last visit. Newly minted as the Brit Award’s best British Group and winners of the British Album of the Year for their latest release – A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships – the Manc musos are currently on something of a roll. With the release of their fourth album – Notes on a Conditional Form – scheduled for early 2020, there’s every chance that Hong Kong concertgoers might get a sneak preview of what the lads have in store. AsiaWorld-Expo, Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok. HK$988–1,188. venue.cityline.com

12–14 Sept

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Arriving the day before this year’s Mid- Autumn Festival, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is back for its ever-thrilling annual parade. Starting and ending in Causeway Bay, the parade dials back a few centuries, as the spectacular terpsichorean tradition commemorates the dying days of the 1880’s Tai Hang plague. With firecrackers and a 67m-long dragon high in the mix, it’s an event that really just can’t go wrong. Tai Hang, Causeway Bay. discoverhongkong.com

13 Sept

Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Carnival

It’s once again time for every mooncake muncher’s favourite Hong Kong holiday – the Mid-Autumn Festival. This annual escape from the workaday week brings locals and mainlanders together for the timeless tradition of thanking the moon for the splendiferous nature of the seasonal harvest. In its modern incarnation, this translates into a day of family fun, complete with magic lantern displays, lion dances and a distinctly carnival atmosphere. Best take a minute or two out for a little lunar appreciation too, because… well, you never really know, do you? Locations vary. discoverhongkong.com

20 Sept–20 Oct

Matilda the Musical

Sure to excite mischievous munchkins and overly-nostalgic millennials – courtesy of Lunchbox Theatrical Production and GWB Entertainment – is the upcoming opening night of Matilda The Musical. Inspired by Roald Dahl’s evergreen children’s tale, composer Tim Minchin, scriptwriter Dennis Kelly and director Matthew Warchus promise a raucous singalong take on the adventures of Matilda, a very special little girl who deploys her secret superpowers to help her get through the everyday challenges of school and family life. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$445–2,980. premier. hkticketing.com

21 Sept

Sake Walk 2019

With Hong Kong being one of the major importers of sake, Japan’s signature rice wine, a citywide celebration was clearly due. Accordingly, making its debut this month is the Sake Walk, an occasion set to showcase 80 of the finest incarnations of this particular intoxicant. Hosted within the plush heritage hotel, House 1881, the event will see participation from 14 of Japan’s most distinguished distillers – including such luminaries as Hakuko and Manotsur. Festivalgoers can also grab a bite or two from an array of high-end food vendors, while basking in the beats of a variety of imported funkmeisters… House 1881, 2A Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$100–280. jebsenfinewines.com/sake-walk-hk

22, 24–25 Sept

London Symphony Orchestra

As part of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra will be arriving in the city to initiate the formal festivities with a three-night journey through classical music. With Grammy-winning, Hong Kong-born pianist Colleen Lee joining them on stage, two hours may well not
be long enough to truly showcase the assembled talent. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$380–1,880. lcsd.gov.hk

24–2 Sept

Shakespeare’s Globe

Bardophiles rejoice! Shakespeare’s Globe makes its much-anticipated return to the city at the end of the month, with the promise of staging three plays that offer truly timeless takes on such burning contemporary issues as refugees, personal freedom and ill fitting yellow breeches. Indeed, with Twelfth Night, Pericles and The Comedy of Errors all on the bill, it’s a chance to experience Shakespeare’s unmatched ability to convey and capture the full range of human emotions, from joy and laughter to despair and surrender. You won’t get that on TVB. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$395–795. premier.hkticketing.com

Matters of Art: Seoul Auction exhibits over 20 artists from Hong Kong and South Korea

Seoul Auction, the premium art gallery within H Queens, recently hosted an art exhibition simply titled Matter, a unique showcase of the works of over 20 of the finest contemporary artists from Hong Kong and South Korea.

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Curated by renowned architect and art collector William Lim, the opening night itself saw all the true culture vultures in town circling in on this particular exhibition. Among the local artists whose works were exhibited, the most noteworthy were Cheng Ting Ting, Chu Hing Wah, Carmen Ng and Tsang Kin Wah. From the South Korean side in the meanwhile, such eminent names as actor and artist Ha JungWoo as well as Choi SoYoung have also taken part in the exhibition. Here are some exclusive moments from the opening night:

Matter
Seoul Auction
Till 18 September
11F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central
+852 93601313

August Events: A round-up of the can’t-miss happenings in HK this month

From renowned musical acts like American Football and the Chainsmokers to comedian Trevor Noah, here are the hottest August events happening in Hong Kong…

1 Aug

Clockenflap Presents: American Football

In a bid to build up momentum for the 12th Clockenflap Festival later this year, the event’s organisers have ensured that Hong Kong is suitably soundtracked all summer long, with emo math rock wonders American Football next up to do the honours. The Illinois-based trio-turned-quartet Clockenflap Presents: American Football originally hit the big time back in 1997 and, following a decade-plus hiatus, are now back to rocking out and keeping their many fans happy with such post-emo delights as American Football House and LP3. This Town Needs, 6 Shung Shun St, Yau Tong. HK$390. ticketflap.com

3-4 Aug

PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”

With back-to-school season inching ever closer, you may want to give the kids one last hurrah before dispatching them back to the groves of Academe – and what hurrah could be grander than PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”, a 75-minute live-action event inspired by the ever-popular children’s toys of the same name. Ready yourself for squeals of pure delight from your enthralled kiddiewinks as the Paw Patrol sets out to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious dark cavern, with their assistance almost certain to be called upon. KITEC, 1 Trademark Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$280–680. premier.hkticketing.com

15 Aug

Hungry Ghost Festival

In a city with as rich and diverse a food culture as Hong Kong, it’s no wonder that even death does little to diminish the appetites of its residents, with these post-funeral foodies’ passions for partaking celebrated every year in the form of the Hungry Ghost Festival (Yu Lan for the Cantonese conversant). Forever falling on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the festival springs from a local legend that maintains that restless spirits roam the earth on that particular day. In order to escape the wrath of these gallivanting ghouls, it is customary to offer gifts of food and other diverting trinkets. To be on the safe side, have a little demonic dim sum about your person at all times. Locations vary. discoverhongkong.com

15–19 Aug

HKTDC Food Expo 2019

It is surely no coincidence that Hong Kong’s annual mega-cuisinathon – the HKTDC Food Expo – opens its doors on the very same day that carb-deprived corpses and hungry hellspawn are said to roam the city. As ever, the four-day gourmet gala will welcome a vast array of international epicureanminded exhibitors, with this year’s event featuring more than 1,500 victuals vendors from all around the world. With last year’s event said to have attracted in excess of 500,000 visitors, it’s probably wise to pop in early lest you be cheated of your chance to savour such delights as Columbia’s premier coffee beans, Malaysia’s finest fish curry powder and New Zealand’s hottest honey products. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com

16 Aug

Shinywinds in Central 2019

Determined to get the party started and to heat up the harbourside action at this month’s SummerFest is Shinywinds, the hugely successful local orchestra. Established in 2008 as a way for Hong Kong students, past and present, to come together and share their musical prowess, the orchestra is now something of a local institution. This three-hour-long outdoor concert is the perfect opportunity to find out just why it is so popular, as well as the ideal excuse to while away the afternoon to the accompaniment of a host of top tunes and a bevvy or two. Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Rd, Central. summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk

16–20 Aug

Hong Kong International Egyptian Folklore and Oriental Dance Festival

With belly dancing’s popularity at an all-time high for both participants and sundry-motived spectators, the Hong Kong International Egyptian Folklore and Oriental Dance Festival is undoubtedly a can’t-miss event for those keen to learn a thing or two about this ancient art form. For three terpsichorean-themed days on the trot, the festival will be full to the brim with fiercely-fought dance competitions and wiggle-your-hips workshops, giving Hongkongers of all ages the opportunity to learn a little about the history and culture of this semi-athletic, highly-erotic form of entertainment. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai.
HK$350–600. maxwelldancing.com

21 Aug

Trevor Noah Loud & Clear Tour 2019

Acclaimed South African comedian turned- host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah is making his Hong Kong debut this month, no doubt much to the delight of the city’s many giggling gig-goers. Aside from his weekly slot at Comedy Central, the funny-man also found time to write Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood and to star in two Netflix specials, where he turned his attention to such topics as race, immigration and, of course, life in Trump’s America. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$588–1,088. premier.hkticketing.com

23 Aug

The Chainsmokers Live in Hong Kong

World War Joy, the latest critically lauded,continent-spanning tour by The Chainsmokers, the celebrated US DJ duo, wends its way into Hong Kong later this month. Undisputed champions of the Billboard charts, the tunesome twosome have enjoyed a seemingly unstoppable run of electropop hits – the likes of Closer and Don’t Let Me Down to name but two – and are returning to the city by popular demand after wowing concertgoers with a truly sensational gig last year. This time around, they are set to give the city’s restless ravers all the beats they need to carry them well into the night and on to the early morning. AsiaWorld-Expo, Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok. HK$588–1,088. premier.hkticketing.com

31 Aug

Angels Zumbathon 2019

If staying active for the sake of your health wasn’t enough to motivate you to don your lycra athleisure gear, perhaps the chance to raise funds for much-needed afterschool and counselling programmes for the children of Po Leung Kuk will prove the added incentive you need to sign up for this year’s Angels Zumbathon. It’s a high-energy dance event that has grown every year – starting off with just 50 participants seven years ago and set to
have more than 500 this time around. Not only is it a day packed to the gunwales with goodwill, it’s also a chance to work out with some of Hong Kong’s finest Zumba instructors, including George Lu, Rachel Fok and JC Ferron. Hong Kong Football Club, 2 Sports Rd, Happy Valley. HK$450. angels-for-children.org/events

Reel Deal: July movies to watch in the theatres in Hong Kong

With the summer holidays in full swing, perhaps not surprisingly, most of the July movies are overwhelmingly kid-friendly, meant for the whole family to bond together. So grab your popcorn now, and settle down into those cushy chairs for a rollicking good time.

Toy Story 4

When a new toy called ‘Forky’ joins Woody and the gang, a road trip leads to unexpected twists and turns where Woody meets his long-lost friend Bo Peep and finds out how big the world can be for a toy.

Releasing on 11 July 2019

Crayon Shin Chan Movie 2019

In the 27th title of this popular comedy manga and anime series, Misae and Hiroshi go to Australia, but Hiroshi soon goes missing. Now the Nohara family has to use their wits to rescue Hiroshi and uncover a secret treasure.

Releasing on 18 July 2019

The Lion King

In this photo-realistic live action-styled remake of Disney’s classic tale, a young lion must overcome tragedy and betrayal to become the rightful king of Pride Rock.

Releasing on 25 July

Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration

In this Japanese science-fiction anime film, Nobita sees the moon turned yellow but nobody in his class believes him. So Doraemon gives him the Doraemon gives Nobita the Opposite-Direction Badge and they go to the Moon. What they discover there leads to a whole new adventure.

Releasing on 25 July

July Events: A round-up of the can’t-miss happenings in HK this month

The month of July has an array of celebrations, festivals and gigs up its sleeve to help you beat the notorious Hong Kong heat. Whether you’re looking to have some fun in the sun, or keep cool indoors – we’ve rounded up 9 must-see-and-do July events that are worth penciling into your diary.

1 July

22nd Anniversary of the HKSAR

Taking place at the beginning of the month is the commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or, in layman’s terms, The Handover. While celebrations have had a tendencyto vary over the years, it’s a safe bet to expect the ceremonial fanfare to be turned up to 11. Expect parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, sports matches and, of course, a whole night’s sky worth of fireworks. Locations vary. gov.hk

4 Jul

Alexander Shtarkman Piano Recital

Renowned for his piano recitals in the Americas, Europe and Russia, Alexander Shtarkman will be heading to Hong Kong this month to treat the more refined to his repertoire of recitals from Bach, Schumann and Ravel. Awarded the First Prize at the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano, Italy, and now a member of the piano faculty at Peabody Institute, Shtarkman’s visit to Hong Kong is sure to be truly classic. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$130–480. hkticketing.com

5 Jul–18 Aug

International Arts Carnival 2019

With events taking place throughout much of the summer season, the International Arts Carnival is back in action, just in time to keep your kids busy during the long school-less months ahead. The wide assortment of events on offer include puppetry, interactive theatre, magic shows and, apparently, far more. Billed as ‘Fun for the Whole Family’, there may be no better way for the kids to beat the summer heat and learn a thing or two about culture and the arts, while giving parents a fighting chance to preserve their sanity. Locations vary. HK$35–580. hkiac.gov.hk

5–8 Jul

Hong Kong Bakery Carnival

The Hong Kong Bakery Carnival is being billed as the city’s first-ever public bakery show, with its organisers hoping to build on the success of the Hong Kong International Bakery Expo, an event that has delighted the city’s more sweet-toothed residents since 2012. Would-be pastry partakers may want to loosen their belts as the event will comprise bakery workshops, competitions, on-site demonstrations by celebrity chefs and, of course, lots and lots of food tasting. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. hkbakerycarnival.com

6 Jul

LUMIERE International Fashion Event

Hong Kong’s fashionistas will be out in full force as Meler Productions presents Hong Kong: Lumiere, an event that will kick off its high-end fashion show and summer party this month. Showcasing an array of international designers from Japan, Hong Kong, USA, France and Sweden, this highly fashionable fiesta won’t be strictly fun and games, with five percent of all profits being donated to Redress, a Hong Kong-based NGO dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability in the fashion industry. The Annex, 173 Des Voeux Rd, Central. HK$370. eventbrite.com

6–28 Jul

Big Resign Day

They say life imitates art more than art imitates life. This, however, may not hold true from the upcoming local production of Big Resign Day. A laugh-out loud comedy, it follows the lives of several stressed-out Hong Kong office workers and dives deep into the darker side of the city’s work culture. The show’s three-week run features a number of homegrown stars, including actress Jessica Hsuan and former DJ and multimedia personality Lam1Hey. This eminently comic cast is sure to make the crowds chortle while touching on subjects that are certain to have real resonance. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$380–580. premier.hkticketing.com

23 Jul

Clockenflap presents: Yaeji, live in HK

In order to excite concertgoers before the event proper in November, festival organisers Clockenflap are making the summer sizzle with an array of international talents, including New York-based singer and producer DJ Yaeji. From humble beginnings at her college’s radio station, the Korean-American sensation soared out of the underground scene to become a fullfledged international superstar on the back of such hits as Raingurl and Drink I’m Sippin On. Yaeji’s Hong Kong debut is all but guaranteed to be an eclectic, electric night of avant-pop. This Town Needs, 6 Shung Shun St, Yau Tong. HK$420. ticketflap.com

24 Jul

Clockenflap presents: Alvvays

Hailed as Canada’s new indie champs (with Tegan and Sara now decidedly mainstream), Alvvays is back in Hong Kong after wooing crowds at last year’s Clockenflap Festival. Their latest album, Antisocialites, may be the most un- Hong Kong name around, but this won’t stop these mighty alt-rockers from delivering one of the more unique concert experiences on offer to 852 hipsters this year. Beg, steal or borrow a ticket and bop along to such peerless dreamy pop as Not My Baby, Dreams Tonite and Archie Marry Me. Go on. You know you want to. This Town Needs, 6 Shung Shun St, Yau Tong. HK$470. ticketflap.com

26–28 Jul

2019 e-Sports and Music Festival

Gaming fans, for once, will want to put down their controllers and head outside for the weekend when the e-Sports and Music Festival arrives in Hong Kong at the end of the month. Besides many of the homegrown top talents, there will be an impressive assembly of gamers from across the globe, all of whom will be competing for the HK$3.5 million inprize money on offer. Last year’s festival attracted more than 80,000 fans, but organisers are confident that the 2019 event will be bigger yet. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$50-250. emfhk.com