A December to remember! Make it merry and bright this month with Hong Kong’s month-long of events and festivities. A Tale of Three Cities, Convergence, Heritage Roving Exhibition, Hong Kong International Darts Festival, Clockenflap and many more.
Clockenflap
The 13th edition of the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival brings a slew of top-ranking performers to the Central Harbourfront for three days. Headlining on the Saturday is an iconic group from the Brit-pop era of the ’90s, namely Jarvis Cocker and his Pulp bandmates. Other notable performers include Australian-Japanese singer-songwriter Joji, who is the star attraction on the following day during the last leg of his world tour, plus Japanese chart-toppers Yoasobi. The festival continues its ongoing commitment to promoting leading lights from Asia, like pop sensation Wednesday Campanella, and indie-pop duo Running Youth.
When: 1-3 Dec
Where: Central Harbourfront
How much: From HK$1,280
For more information: clockenflap.com
HK International Darts
Top local darts players and their overseas counterparts flex their wrist muscles over four days in this fifth edition of the international tournament. With the Parent-Child Sports Carnival held alongside the main competition, the large-scale event on the site of the old airport has many strands to attract sporting and non-sporting folk alike. A darts charity marathon and more than 300 booths will keep everyone entertained.
When: Until 3 Dec
Where: Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
How much: Free
For more information: hkidf.com.hk
Convergence
Action and arts fans will rejoice at the spectacle brought to the stage in this magnificent performance by Hong Kong Dance Company which gets to the heart of what Chinese martial arts and dance are all about. By exploring the synergy between both forms of expression, Convergence is able to deliver new interpretations as dancers wow the audience through their athletic prowess and sinuous movement. This is the live premiere of an award-winning production conceived and choreographed by the company’s Artistic Director, Yang Yuntao.
When: 8-10 Dec
Where: The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: From HK$350
For more information: hkdance.com
Streetathon
This year sees the return of the much-praised Hong Kong Streetathon, an event that helped kick-start the local running culture. Through the organiser, RunOurCity, it is also committed to working with other charity foundations and NGOs to foster sustainable development. For the first time, a full marathon will wind its way through the city centre and round the harbour, and runners will power through 10km of the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel. Other highlights: a cross-harbour half- marathon, Runners Expo and the Youth race.
When: 9-17 Dec
Where: Various venues
How much: Free viewing
For more information: streetathon.com
Herstory
Hong Kong Dance Company presents a performance that embodies the words and imagination of women. First produced in 2008, when it won two Hong Kong Dance Awards, HerStory is inspired by the 400-year-old language developed by women in China known as Nushu and brings to life the writings of two Hong Kong female authors, evoking memories through dance, music and imagery.
When: 15-17 Dec
Where: The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: From HK$380
For more information: hkdance.com
Breaking For Gold
Dance enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Breaking for Gold World Series reaching its finale (on 15-16 December). About 200 of the best breakers from around the globe will seek to impress the judges and earn vital qualification points for the Olympic Games in Paris, while local participants will hope to draw inspiration from a supportive home crowd. Standard and Latin dancers will also compete in various championships as part of the Hong Kong Open.
When: 15-29 Dec
Where: Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai
How much: Various prices
For more information: dancesport.org.hk
A Tale of Three Cities
Three museums unite for a showcase of silk, revealing how the precious commodity was exported from China to the world in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Trade paintings, fine silks, clothing, home fabrics and accessories feature among more than 100 sets of artefacts on view from the collections of the Guangdong Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Macao Museum as part of the third Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.
When: Until 17 Dec
Where: Hong Kong Museum of Art
How much: Free
For more information: hk.art.museum
The Impossible Trial
Returning with the original star- studded cast, this superb musical touches on powerful human themes that kept packed audiences enthralled during previous performances. Greed, pride, loss of wealth and the journey travelled to gain personal redemption are all explored in Hong Kong Repertory Theatre’s magnificent production.
When: Until 17 Dec
Where: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: HK$360, $520, $680
For more information: hkrep.com
Heritage Roving Exhibition
The landscaping and greening attributes of 10 declared monuments and historic buildings dotted around the territory are highlighted at an exhibition touring public libraries this month. Organised to complement the Heritage Fiesta held this autumn, which had offered free guided tours of fabulous sites like Flagstaff House, the roving displays pinpoint the work and success of various initiatives to preserve these iconic buildings and thus Hong Kong’s past.
When: Until 29 Dec
Where: Various public libraries
How much: Free
For more information: heritage.gov.hk