Hong Kong Oktoberfest cancelled amid anti-government protests, the latest victim of four months of spiralling unrest

The Marco Polo German Bierfest, held for the past 27 years at hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, is the biggest local celebration of German beer, food and oompah music

Hotel says safety and security of guests its top concern and ‘it would be challenging to ensure a smooth event’. It vows to bring event back in 2020

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The Marco Polo German Bierfest. The biggest annual Hong Kong celebration of Oktoberfest, the southern German festival of beer, bratwurst and oompah music, has been cancelled this year amid the anti-government protests. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 10:30am, 11 Oct 2019Updated: 10:30am, 11 Oct 2019

If you wanted confirmation that Hong Kong has become the no-fun city of Asia, it's in: Oktoberfest at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui has been cancelled.

The celebration of lederhosen, bratwurst, German lager and oompah music has become the latest casualty of anti-government protests in the city that began in June and have brought chaos to the streets and severely disrupted public transport.

The announcement it will not take place follows the government’s cancellation of two other annual events, the Wine & Dine Festival and Cyclothon. However, the 11-day Oktoberfest has a much longer history than both, having been held every October for the past 27 years.

Announcing its decision, the hotel said: “The decision to cancel one of the city’s most popular events is due to the recent developments and the ever-changing environment. The safety and security of our guests and colleagues are our primary concern, and it would be challenging to ensure a smooth event throughout this period.”

Revellers respond to the house musicians of the Marco Polo German Bierfest, the Notenhobler Band from Germany.

“Whilst it is always a highly anticipated event that allows guests to enjoy a genuine Oktoberfest vibe in Hong Kong and enjoys huge popularity among local residents and visitors, we look forward to returning with an even more exciting event in 2020,” it said.