WHAT: Cue the vinyl crackle, the sweet sound of Clockenflap – Asia’s premier music and arts festival, Hong Kong with an eclectic lineup that is any musical crate digger’s dream.
WHERE: Hong Kong
WHEN: December 1st to 3rd
WHY: Set on the iconic Central Waterfront overlooking Kowloon, since its inception in 2008, the festival has incorporated international, regional and local live music, film, and art installations, turning it into one of China’s flagpole moments for international music culture.
So if you’re in the region looking for travel ideas, why not rearrange your plans to be in Hong Kong December 1st to 3rd, to sample a living, breathing mixtape of East-meets-West musical mastery. They’ve just announced the full line up and there’s plenty to show up for. Here are our recommendations:
Pulp – Britpop’s Rebels Hit the Harbor
Saturday, December 2, is a rendezvous with Britpop royalty. Pulp, in their first-ever Hong Kong gig, are set to bring their triumphant 2023 reunion tour to the Central Harbourfront. The Chinese government may not approve of them being Sorted for E’s and Whizz, but with Jarvis Cocker and co all in their 50s and 60s, we can expect nothing but the hits, with none of the authority-baiting antics.
De La Soul – Hip-Hop Legends Take the Midnight Train to Hong Kong
Expect a poignant return to the stage for De La Soul, as the pioneering hip hop trio return as a duo, after David Jolicoeur, one of the founding members, died earlier this year aged 54. Despite the tragedy, Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer) and Maseo (Vincent Lamont Mason Jr) have vowed to keep his memory alive.
Joji – Asian Internet Superstar
He may not be well known in the west, but Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper and internet personality Joji (aka George Kusunoki Miller) mixes R&B, lo-fi, and trip hop that on December 1st will translate from the heartache to the bedroom, where much of his music is produced, to the communion with the masses, as he headlines Clockenflap’s opening night.
Other Must-See Acts
Elsewhere, it’s a line up awash with eclectic sounds and inspiration. Look out for punk provocateurs Idles, ethereal enchantress Caroline Polachek, and indie insurgents Yard Act – And come away feeling like you know everything there is to know about contemporary music.
Getting there:
Tickets for Clockenflap 2023 are available at www.ticketflap.com/clockenflapdec2023 ,with full festival information available at https://www.clockenflap.com/.
With its Central Harbourfront location, the festival is easy to get to, and you have the entirety of Hong Kong and Kowloon at your immediate disposal for accommodation.
Get down to the festival site early to take in all the art – not to mention the stunning views. We recommend bringing an empty water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day as water points are available.
And if you can’t make it to Hong Kong this time, fear not. Stay tuned for The Travel Magazine’s backstage pass to the whole shebang, the next best thing to being there yourself!