July 1 pop music festival in Hong Kong 'not timed as plot to ruin political rally'
Organisers of HK$99 Kai Tak event say it is also a protest - against lack of mega venues
Thousands of people have voiced support for a boycott of a July 1 music festival featuring K-pop stars and local bands after it was condemned as a political tool to keep young people away from the annual pro-democracy rally.
However, the Performance Industry Association (PIA) which is organising the Hong Kong Dome Festival, says it is in fact an alternative protest - against the city's lack of major venues.
Boycott campaign aside, the 18,000 tickets are now sold out.
The show, which features stars such as Korean diva BoA and local bands like Mr. and RubberBand, is to be held on the former Kai Tak runway. Major property developers are sponsoring the event and the price of a ticket is just HK$99.
Meanwhile, a Facebook page named Boycott HK Dome Festival has so far attracted 4,000 likes.
Internet users say the show is a political tool to stop young people marching on July 1.
Back in 2001, an Arts Development Council report said the colonial government used cultural events to keep youngsters away from politics after the 1967 riots.