https://www.scmp.com/rss/32846/feed Since being launched in 2008, Clockenflap has evolved from humble beginnings into Hong Kong's biggest annual celebration of music and the arts. The festival showcases world-famous musical acts as well as bands and DJs from Hong Kong and Asia. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Charmaine Mok Charmaine Mok This year’s Clockenflap music festival took place just over a week after the tragic fire in Tai Po and, understandably, there were mixed emotions. Many artists paid tribute to the lives lost before starting their sets, while festival organisers themselves made a number of changes: 100 per cent of profits from official merchandise were donated to Tai Po relief funds operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Mind HK, and certain stage effects and sounds were adjusted. Two things can be true... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3335893/hong-kong-food-heroes-tamjai-and-chicken-egg-boy-stars-clockenflaps-eating-options?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3335893/hong-kong-food-heroes-tamjai-and-chicken-egg-boy-stars-clockenflaps-eating-options?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:15:08 +0000 Karen Cheung Karen Cheung Clockenflap is around the corner, and I’m ready to scream “sweet love illumination” as Franz Ferdinand take the festival stage again. The surprise addition of My Bloody Valentine to the line-up finally gave some on-the-fence indie fans the push they needed. And while Singaporean hyperpop star Yeule dropped out for health reasons, I’m looking forward to finding out if Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst is still capable of making me cry. Below are acts to check out at the annual music gathering, plus a... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3334513/clockenflap-2025-franz-ferdinand-my-bloody-valentine-beth-gibbons-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3334513/clockenflap-2025-franz-ferdinand-my-bloody-valentine-beth-gibbons-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:00:30 +0000 Ashlyn Chak Ashlyn Chak Universal fears are the major recurring theme in Scottish art rock band Franz Ferdinand’s 2025 album The Human Fear. But there is nothing fearful about the group’s musical approach as the members get deeply personal and bravely vulnerable. “‘Hooked’ starts off with the line, ‘I got the fear, got the human fear, that’s all right’,” says Alex Kapranos, the band’s lead vocalist, lead guitarist and primary songwriter, of the track that was inspired by his own experience with parenthood in 2023. “The... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3334158/why-franz-ferdinands-alex-kapranos-loves-hong-kong-gigs-plus-insight-latest-album?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3334158/why-franz-ferdinands-alex-kapranos-loves-hong-kong-gigs-plus-insight-latest-album?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:15:08 +0000 Ashlyn Chak Ashlyn Chak Chinese-Indonesian rapper Rich Brian, English jazz singer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, Scottish indie band Franz Ferdinand, and Beth Gibbons, the vocalist of English alternative electronic band Portishead, are among the early line-up for this year’s Clockenflap. Early-bird tickets for the annual three-day international music and art event in Hong Kong, scheduled to take place at Central Harbourfront from December 5 to 7, went on sale at 3pm today. Born in Jakarta, 25-year-old Rich... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3310169/franz-ferdinand-jacob-collier-among-clockenflap-2025-early-line-acts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3310169/franz-ferdinand-jacob-collier-among-clockenflap-2025-early-line-acts?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 May 2025 10:06:52 +0000 Actress Renée Zellweger is reprising her role as the lovable and somewhat cringeworthy Bridget Jones in romcom Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. The movie, released for Valentine’s Day, follows Jones as she navigates her love life after her husband, Mark Darcy (played by Colin Firth), has come and gone. Hugh Grant reprises his role as the dashing Daniel Cleaver and fans will be delighted to see Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall join the cast as Bridget’s new and much younger love... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3298548/renee-zellwegers-dating-history-revealed-sonic-3s-jim-carrey-celebrity-ious-ant-anstead-way-her?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3298548/renee-zellwegers-dating-history-revealed-sonic-3s-jim-carrey-celebrity-ious-ant-anstead-way-her?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:00:09 +0000 In a year of wildly varying releases, Hong Kong has seen new talent emerge as much as global performers return. These are the music stories we hope you didn’t miss. NYPD Local legends NYPD brought the noise with their fresh release earlier this year. Haysen Cheng With Hong Kong rap becoming more of a thing, you have to have a creative edge to stay on top. Hong Kong Philharmonic The Hong Kong Philharmonic continued its ever-evolving programme this year, and here, a former HK Phil general... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3291695/our-favourite-postmag-music-stories-2024-herbie-hancock-st-vincent-clockenflap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3291695/our-favourite-postmag-music-stories-2024-herbie-hancock-st-vincent-clockenflap?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 23:00:12 +0000 During the summer of 2020, as most of us self-isolated at home at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, one sleeper hit sneaked its way onto the radio airwaves before eventually making its Billboard Hot 100 chart debut in January 2021. In late August to early September of that year, that tune, “Heat Waves”, would become virtually ubiquitous thanks to TikTok, catapulting British indie rock band Glass Animals to new heights of social media fame. The song’s popular refrain, “late nights in the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3289603/glass-animals-dave-bayley-talks-hong-kong-debut-clockenflap-where-whole-pineapple-thing-comes-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3289603/glass-animals-dave-bayley-talks-hong-kong-debut-clockenflap-where-whole-pineapple-thing-comes-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:00:08 +0000 Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong’s impressive rise to No 7 in global digital competitiveness rankings is a remarkable achievement. However, these rankings often overlook transformative educational initiatives in... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3289502/yidan-prize-laureate-shows-power-digital-education?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3289502/yidan-prize-laureate-shows-power-digital-education?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Dec 2024 03:30:08 +0000 From misogynistic young men and misbehaving teenagers to a heavy police presence and overseas performers mixing up Hong Kong with other East Asian cultures, Clockenflap 2024 caused quite a stir over the weekend, and not in a good way. “Embarrassment” is the first word that comes to mind for this writer, who has nothing but conflicted love for the city. Sure, it is not the first time people have complained about the antics of the crowd, but what took place during the city’s annual flagship music... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3289307/clockenflap-2024-hong-kong-festival-music-also-misogyny-misbehaviour-misnaming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3289307/clockenflap-2024-hong-kong-festival-music-also-misogyny-misbehaviour-misnaming?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:45:18 +0000 A Scottish DJ has said she was sexually harassed by audience members during her performance at Hong Kong’s Clockenflap music festival, accusing security staff of failing to intervene despite complaints. Simone Murphy, better known as Sim0ne, said a group of men at the front of the crowd were making obscene hand gestures throughout her set on Saturday at the three-day festival, which was held at the Central harbourfront. She said the seven or eight men appeared to be under 20 years old. “It was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289043/scottish-dj-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-hong-kongs-clockenflap-music-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3289043/scottish-dj-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-hong-kongs-clockenflap-music-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:26:04 +0000 Clockenflap returns to the Central Harbourfront this afternoon with an eclectic line-up of pop and rock acts from around the globe. But if live music is not your cup of tea, there is plenty more to do around town. Here are our event highlights for this weekend. 1. Clockenflap Suede’s 90-minute set on Saturday night promises to attract a crowd of a certain age, but Clockenflap also has plenty on offer for younger music fans, including London-based rapper Central Cee, Hong Kong singer Serrini,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3288651/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-november-29-december-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3288651/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-november-29-december-1?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:15:08 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter Clockenflap weekend is almost upon us! Hong Kong’s annual outdoor music festival returns to the Central Harbourfront with an amazing line-up. There will be a spillover of talent all over town, including one of the world’s most talented drag queens, and award-winning South African jazz vocalist Talie Monin. 1. Clockenflap Suede’s 90-minute set on Saturday night promises to attract a crowd of a certain age, but Clockenflap also has plenty on offer for younger music fans, including London-based... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3288451/5-best-shows-hong-kong-weekend-november-29-december-1-clockenflap-included?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3288451/5-best-shows-hong-kong-weekend-november-29-december-1-clockenflap-included?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:15:08 +0000 Hong Kong has always loved Suede – perhaps a bit too much. During the band’s third visit to the city in 1999, thousands of fans had packed the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, and were in such a fevered state that 100 people fainted and four were injured whilst forcing their way into the venue. At least, that is, if you believe local tabloid The Sun’s report about the event, which has since been fondly reposted on the Suede Hong Kong Fans Community on Facebook. In one... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3288126/alt-rock-veterans-suede-still-love-hong-kong-and-hate-britpop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3288126/alt-rock-veterans-suede-still-love-hong-kong-and-hate-britpop?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:00:11 +0000 Karen Cheung Karen Cheung The avenues to becoming a St Vincent fan are endless and varied. A Talking Heads follower may have been introduced to the American musician through her 2012 collaboration with David Byrne, Love This Giant. A lover of soft indie folk perhaps caught her early-career performance with Sufjan Stevens as part of his touring band back in the 2000s – a role she later reprised at the 2018 Academy Awards on the song “Mystery of Love” from the modern queer classic Call Me by Your Name. A pop-oriented... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3287752/st-vincent-has-always-crafted-her-own-identity-she-reveals-how-her-new-album-continues-process?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3287752/st-vincent-has-always-crafted-her-own-identity-she-reveals-how-her-new-album-continues-process?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Nov 2024 23:15:09 +0000 The United States might have Lollapalooza, but here in Hong Kong, we have our own tongue-twisting music festival, too. Clockenflap, arguably the biggest event on the city’s social calendar, has come a long way since 2008, when the inaugural outing entertained 1,500 people over a single day at Cyberport. Next weekend, with braggadocio earned after entertaining upwards of 87,000 people last year, the music festival is back at Central Harbourfront, offering headliners such as former White Stripe... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3287742/what-expect-clockenflap-2024-hong-kongs-music-and-arts-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3287742/what-expect-clockenflap-2024-hong-kongs-music-and-arts-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:46:07 +0000 Singer-songwriter Eva Liu Wei-kuen, who was born in Belfast, in Northern Ireland, and raised in the suburbs of the UK, grew up much like other Britain-born Chinese children. What she has done with her Hong Kong heritage, however, is a little different. In September, under her artist name Mui Zyu, she released an EP, titled Nothing or Something to Die For (Cantonese Tasting Menu), for which she took five songs from her second full-length album, released earlier this year, and translated the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3286237/how-british-born-chinese-singer-mui-zyu-taking-back-her-heritage-one-song-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3286237/how-british-born-chinese-singer-mui-zyu-taking-back-her-heritage-one-song-time?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:15:08 +0000 Hong Kong’s Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival organisers have announced its full 2024 line-up, including the much-awaited news of its Saturday night headline act. It is Central Cee, who will join Friday night’s headliner Air and Sunday night’s Jack White for the biggest music event in Hong Kong, which runs from November 29 until December 1. Real name Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, Central Cee is a 26-year-old rapper born in London to a Guyanese father with Chinese ancestry. Nicknamed Cench, he has used... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3282945/hong-kong-clockenflap-festival-2024-full-line-unveiled-including-headliner-central-cee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3282945/hong-kong-clockenflap-festival-2024-full-line-unveiled-including-headliner-central-cee?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:39:39 +0000 Jack White, Jamie xx, St. Vincent, Air and Glass Animals are among the acts headlining this year’s Clockenflap festival in Hong Kong. The music festival, which took place last year across two three-day events after a four-year hiatus, returns to its regular winter slot and will take place from November 29 until December 1 at Central Harbourfront on Hong Kong Island. US rock musician Jack White, one half of former indie rock duo The White Stripes, will make his Hong Kong debut as Clockenflap’s... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3278851/clockenflap-hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-announces-headline-acts-2024?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3278851/clockenflap-hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-announces-headline-acts-2024?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:41:59 +0000 If its performance at last year’s Clockenflap in Hong Kong was any indication, J-pop duo Yoasobi has risen to the top of the Japanese music scene in just five short years since its debut. While many bands often come together through organic meetings and a shared passion for music, Yoasobi is a highly produced duo that brought together songwriter Ayase and vocalist Ikura, who met for the first time at the inception of their act. Here’s what you need to know about them … How did Yoasobi get into... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3253793/how-j-pop-duo-yoasobi-blazed-trail-top-performing-coachella-2024-producing-most-streamed-single-yoru?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3253793/how-j-pop-duo-yoasobi-blazed-trail-top-performing-coachella-2024-producing-most-streamed-single-yoru?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Mar 2024 07:00:13 +0000 Idles are at a crossroads. Arguably the last noteworthy guitar band to emerge in the 2010s, the British post-punks became fast festival favourites – thanks to the retro cross-cut guitar assault, soapbox-worthy choruses and inclusive megaphone-messaging of politics big and small, found on dynamite debut LP Brutalism (2017) and even better follow-up Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018). But after two pandemic-era attempts to slay the beast they created – via the deliberately “grotesque” caricature... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3251241/burn-it-down-kill-it-and-move-idles-how-new-album-tangk-goes-beyond-angry-post-punk-politics-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3251241/burn-it-down-kill-it-and-move-idles-how-new-album-tangk-goes-beyond-angry-post-punk-politics-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:20 +0000 Last week, the Avenue of Stars – Hong Kong’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – transformed into a playful runway as luxury brand Louis Vuitton launched its pre-fall menswear line against one of the world’s most iconic skylines. The dramatic choice of location not only signalled the importance of the Hong Kong and Asian markets to the fashion house but also reaffirmed the city’s standing as an international arts and culture hub. The stunning catwalk was the latest in a string of high-profile... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3244226/make-sure-taylor-swift-doesnt-skip-hong-kong-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3244226/make-sure-taylor-swift-doesnt-skip-hong-kong-again?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Dec 2023 01:30:17 +0000 Alex G is still in slight disbelief that his music has brought him to the other side of the world. “I wouldn’t have ever predicted myself going to Hong Kong,” says the American musician born Alex Giannascoli. It’s no small deal – Giannascoli makes his local debut at Clockenflap on Friday (December 1), playing alongside the likes of Pulp, Yoasobi and De La Soul at the biggest and best music festival in Asia’s world city. “It is surprising, the amount of people that have grown to like [my music],”... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3243105/alex-g-abstract-songwriting-and-why-he-shuns-social-media-american-indie-enigma-opens-ahead-sharing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3243105/alex-g-abstract-songwriting-and-why-he-shuns-social-media-american-indie-enigma-opens-ahead-sharing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:19 +0000 Hong Kong’s Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival is set to begin on December 1 and last until December 3. The city’s second Clockenflap of 2023 will provide a deep dive into contemporary and alternative music. As we gear up for the festivities, here is a look back at 15 years of Clockenflap. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3243197/15-years-clockenflap-visual-history-hong-kongs-festival-aap-rocky-and-arctic-monkeys-denise-ho-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3243197/15-years-clockenflap-visual-history-hong-kongs-festival-aap-rocky-and-arctic-monkeys-denise-ho-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Nov 2023 04:45:15 +0000 The second Clockenflap festival of the year gets under way on Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront on December 1. For those wanting to attend the three-day music and arts event and who haven’t got a ticket yet, single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday are still available. For those who are going, here’s what you need to know. 1. Music Where is the main stage? Festivalgoers will see three stages after entering the main gate and walking past the artist merchandise booth. The Harbourflap Stage –... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3243053/clockenflap-december-2023-stage-guide-food-drink-and-activities-offer-how-pay-things-and-how-get?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3243053/clockenflap-december-2023-stage-guide-food-drink-and-activities-offer-how-pay-things-and-how-get?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Nov 2023 04:45:11 +0000 Remember when people called Clockenflap an “expat festival”? Not so many people are throwing that groundless slight at Hong Kong’s biggest, best musical happening any more. Not since the festival made a triumphant return in March 2023, anyway. With a growing awareness of festival culture reverberating across social media, the event was fully embraced by boomer rockers and Gen Z fans alike, and sold out for the first time in the fest’s 15-year history. Soon after, it was announced that the brand... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3242735/8-east-asian-acts-watch-clockenflap-newjeans-producer-250-and-taiwanese-rockers-no-party-cao-dong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/leisure/article/3242735/8-east-asian-acts-watch-clockenflap-newjeans-producer-250-and-taiwanese-rockers-no-party-cao-dong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Nov 2023 02:00:28 +0000 The upside of having two Clockenflap events this year, after a four-year absence, is that festivalgoers get to have twice as much fun. The downside, for the organisers at least, is having to live up to expectations. This March, the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival heralded the post-Covid return of Hong Kong live music with an energetic three-day weekend that featured world-famous acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Arctic Monkeys and Phoenix. Less than nine months later, the city’s biggest music event... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3242395/second-clockenflap-festival-december-leap-faith-says-co-founder-who-promises-outrageous-levels-fun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3242395/second-clockenflap-festival-december-leap-faith-says-co-founder-who-promises-outrageous-levels-fun?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Nov 2023 23:15:11 +0000 De La Soul, Tom Grennan, The Beths, Tones and I, Tilly Birds and Idiotape are the latest international acts to be added to the line-up of Hong Kong’s upcoming Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival. They join headliners Pulp, Yoasobi, Joji, Idles, Caroline Polachek and Prep for the festival, to be held at the Central Harbourfront between December 1 and 3. The second Clockenflap of 2023 – it returned in March after a four-year hiatus – will provide a deep dive into contemporary and alternative world... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3240791/clockenflap-music-festival-2023-line-de-la-soul-tom-grennan-and-tones-and-i-among-latest-additions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3240791/clockenflap-music-festival-2023-line-de-la-soul-tom-grennan-and-tones-and-i-among-latest-additions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Nov 2023 09:16:22 +0000 The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted Hong Kong’s normally vibrant music scene, with social gatherings and international travel curtailed throughout most of 2020 to 2022. Thankfully, the past year has seen a resurgence in activity, with concerts from the likes of Post Malone, Jay Chou and the legendary Backstreet Boys. As the world prepares to bid farewell to another year, we take a look at some notable concerts taking place in Hong Kong this November and December. 1. Junny: Blanc Asia Tour... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/entertainment-news/article/3239898/8-must-see-hong-kong-concerts-november-and-december-2023-music-festival-clockenflap-featuring-pulp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/entertainment-news/article/3239898/8-must-see-hong-kong-concerts-november-and-december-2023-music-festival-clockenflap-featuring-pulp?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:27 +0000 Britpop legends Pulp, J-pop duo Yoasobi and Australian-Japanese soul musician Joji will headline the December 2023 edition of Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s landmark music festival, alongside other international big names such as Idles, Caroline Polachek and Prep. After serving some good old March madness to Hong Kong earlier this year, the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival has just announced most of its line-up for December 1 to 3 at the Central Harbourfront event space. Internationally well-known... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3235060/clockenflap-december-2023-line-pulp-yaosobi-and-joji-headline-plus-idles-caroline-polachek-prep-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3235060/clockenflap-december-2023-line-pulp-yaosobi-and-joji-headline-plus-idles-caroline-polachek-prep-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:29:12 +0000 The team behind the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival have teamed up with the Craft Beer Association of Hong Kong to launch Better With Beer, a two-day beer and music festival taking place at the city’s Central Harbourfront on Friday and Saturday this week. This comes just six months after the Clockenflap festival rocked the same venue, and a few months before the landmark festival returns from December 1 to 3. Better With Beer will feature more than 150 beers from some 20 breweries and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3234263/better-beer-festival-hong-kong-over-150-craft-beers-free-flow-live-music-food-drag-bingo-and-other?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3234263/better-beer-festival-hong-kong-over-150-craft-beers-free-flow-live-music-food-drag-bingo-and-other?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Sep 2023 03:15:10 +0000 Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the New York Philharmonic will return to Hong Kong this year as part of a series of star-studded events marking the “full resumption” of the city’s cultural scene after a lengthy hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. City authorities aimed to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as a bridge connecting the East and West by focusing on cultural exchanges between various countries and regions, Director of Leisure and Cultural Services Vincent Liu Ming-kwong said on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3214486/yo-yo-ma-new-york-philharmonic-will-perform-hong-kong-year-leading-star-studded-return-citys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3214486/yo-yo-ma-new-york-philharmonic-will-perform-hong-kong-year-leading-star-studded-return-citys?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:08:27 +0000 It’s impossible to truly date the genesis of any musical movement, but just as Elvis was hailed for “inventing” rock ‘n’ roll in 1954, and James Brown laid down the “first” funk record – 1967’s “Cold Sweat” – hip-hop’s birth has been pinned to a birthday party in The Bronx, New York, on August 11, 1973. Which means the world’s most popular music genre is having an almighty 50th birthday moment this year. The subject was top of mind for the mighty Wu-Tang Clan when STYLE caught up with the group,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3213071/wu-tang-clan-50-years-hip-hop-and-hong-kong-kung-fu-cinema-rza-and-co-weigh-john-woo-movies-inspired?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3213071/wu-tang-clan-50-years-hip-hop-and-hong-kong-kung-fu-cinema-rza-and-co-weigh-john-woo-movies-inspired?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:00:16 +0000 Here’s some good news: for Hong Kong’s music fans, Christmas really will come twice a year in 2023, with a second Clockenflap festival already announced – barely an hour after the curtain came down on the first event in more than four years. ICYMI, the city’s biggest music and arts festival will return to the Central Harbourfront from December 1-3. But before we get to speculating about which A-listers will be jetting in to entertain the newly maskless city later this year, let’s take a moment... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3212533/clockenflap-2023s-best-moments-pictures-big-namers-arctic-monkeys-and-wu-tang-clan-hybs-sasha-alex?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3212533/clockenflap-2023s-best-moments-pictures-big-namers-arctic-monkeys-and-wu-tang-clan-hybs-sasha-alex?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:39:13 +0000 Much to Hong Kong’s excitement and following the long-awaited scrapping of the mask mandate on Wednesday, the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival is finally happening this weekend, from March 3 to 5. Back after a four-year hiatus, this year’s edition is the first in Clockenflap’s 15-year history to completely sell out. As Hong Kong’s biggest international outdoor festival, Clockenflap has around 100 live acts, the 2023 iteration will host world-famous names such as Arctic Monkeys, The Cardigans,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3211944/clockenflap-2023-guide-bands-food-and-drinks-all-you-need-know-about-hong-kongs-premier-music-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3211944/clockenflap-2023-guide-bands-food-and-drinks-all-you-need-know-about-hong-kongs-premier-music-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Mar 2023 10:15:12 +0000 If there was ever a year to travel to a festival in Asia, it’s 2023. While Europe and North America chose to embrace “normality” by hosting large-scale music events last summer, much of this region is now entering its first post-pandemic honeymoon – and naturally, after three-plus years of empty stages and silent fields, we couldn’t be hungrier. Exhibit A: Hong Kong’s beloved Clockenflap festival just sold out completely for the first time in its 15-year history, within hours of the full line-up... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3211840/missed-clockenflap-7-asian-music-festivals-book-instead-japans-fuji-rock-lewis-capaldi-and-lizzo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3211840/missed-clockenflap-7-asian-music-festivals-book-instead-japans-fuji-rock-lewis-capaldi-and-lizzo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Mar 2023 02:00:12 +0000 In the four and a half years since Hong Kong’s last Clockenflap festival, the global entertainment landscape has experienced a long-overdue, but very welcome, sea change. The rise of K-drama. The MCU’s first Asian superhero. Parasite’s Palme d’Or. Michelle Yeoh’s moment and Everything Everywhere All at Once. And, of course, the global dominance of K-pop. In 2023, East Asian pop culture – and especially music – is not just breaking into the mainstream, it’s setting the agenda. (A random example:... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3211433/clockenflap-2023-5-east-asian-artists-ruling-hong-kongs-festival-line-thai-pop-duo-hybs-neo-kawaii?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3211433/clockenflap-2023-5-east-asian-artists-ruling-hong-kongs-festival-line-thai-pop-duo-hybs-neo-kawaii?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Feb 2023 04:00:18 +0000 Few events in our city are able to scream “all is right with the world” quite as loudly and proudly as Clockenflap, which is not only returning after four and a half weary years, but has done a spectacular job of calling up a roster that aptly reflects Hong Kong’s ever-evolving sonic palate. As always, there is a staggering mix of local, regional and global acts spanning generations on offer. While the festival is headlined by the likes of French house son FKJ, hip-hop legends Wu-Tang Clan,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3210583/8-hong-kong-artists-worth-clockenflap-2023-ticket-price-alone-bedroom-rb-star-cehryl-rapper-luna-bep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3210583/8-hong-kong-artists-worth-clockenflap-2023-ticket-price-alone-bedroom-rb-star-cehryl-rapper-luna-bep?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Feb 2023 01:00:19 +0000 Hong Kong moved a step closer to normality on Saturday with its largest outdoor music festival confirming a line-up of global artists and a theme park receiving its first mainland Chinese tour group in years. Organisers of the three-day Clockenflap festival announced latest stage names for this year’s event, set for March 3 to 5 at the Central Harbourfront, marking a long-awaited comeback after its last appearance in 2018. Newly confirmed performers are American hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3209868/clockenflap-music-festival-reveals-new-names-artist-line-ocean-park-gets-first-mainland-tour-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3209868/clockenflap-music-festival-reveals-new-names-artist-line-ocean-park-gets-first-mainland-tour-group?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Feb 2023 07:15:07 +0000 March 2020 was the beginning of a difficult year for Brendon Chan, when the Hong Kong-based airline employee was put on indefinite hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic and flight bans. “Everything stopped in 2020 for me,” he says. A guitarist since he was 14, Chan played on and off with different bands in Hong Kong before 2020. An avid musician, it wasn’t the lack of passion that stopped him, rather, it was just – life. But the forced time off during the pandemic inspired him to write... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3205634/how-hong-kong-indie-bands-got-creative-during-pandemic-and-are-now-back-and-raring-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3205634/how-hong-kong-indie-bands-got-creative-during-pandemic-and-are-now-back-and-raring-play?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jan 2023 08:15:12 +0000 Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has had a very busy first six months in office during which he has performed pretty well. But alas, there can be no rest for him over Christmas as his 2023 plate already looks quite full, even assuming no unforeseen emergencies. Here are some New Year’s resolutions to help him navigate the stormy waters. Number one, stay laser-focused on the economy. The government has exciting plans to address our many areas of social need, in particular housing and an... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3203595/six-new-years-resolutions-john-lee-hong-kong-navigates-stormy-waters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3203595/six-new-years-resolutions-john-lee-hong-kong-navigates-stormy-waters?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:15:10 +0000 British rockers Arctic Monkeys are set to headline the Clockenflap festival when it returns to Hong Kong in March 2023 after a gap of more than four years, say the event’s organisers. Indie pop stalwarts Phoenix, pioneering French multi-instrumentalist FKJ, and Norwegian folk-pop pairing Kings of Convenience are among the 30 international and local artists that have so far been confirmed for the music and arts festival. Clockenflap, which was last held in November 2018, is scheduled to take... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3202718/arctic-monkeys-headline-hong-kongs-2023-clockenflap-music-festival-phoenix-tyson-yoshi-and-men-i?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3202718/arctic-monkeys-headline-hong-kongs-2023-clockenflap-music-festival-phoenix-tyson-yoshi-and-men-i?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:00:11 +0000 David Ho David Ho As Hong Kong begins lifting its pandemic-related travel restrictions, hope is rising that the city is now open for business again and ready to reconnect with the world. From the start of this week, travellers from overseas need only take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival at the airport and on their second day in Hong Kong. The scrapping of PCR tests on visitors’ fourth and sixth days was confirmed by undersecretary for health Libby Lee Ha-yun in a press conference last... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3200983/hong-kong-finally-ready-reopen-world-2023-rugby-sevens-clockenflap-return-major-international-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3200983/hong-kong-finally-ready-reopen-world-2023-rugby-sevens-clockenflap-return-major-international-events?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2022 00:00:17 +0000 Hong Kong’s biggest annual music and arts festival, Clockenflap has been cancelled because of “recently tightened” coronavirus restrictions, organisers say. This is the third year running that event, which was due to take place between November 26 and 28, has been pulled. In 2020 Clockenflap was axed because of the pandemic; it was also halted in 2019 because of the anti-government protests. Clockenflap organisers said they had hoped until recently to host the event at Central Harbourfront, but... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3150613/clockenflap-hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3150613/clockenflap-hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:12:38 +0000 Whisper it lest you jinx it, but live music is back. In Hong Kong! OK, so it’s live music with social distancing restrictions and no eating or drinking, but still, let us just repeat that for you: live music is back! It’s been gradually seeping back for a while, in the form of the odd gig here or there, but it returns with a bang on September 18, in the form of Long Time No See (an expression calqued from Chinese, linguistics fans), a day-long concert at MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok featuring... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3145201/live-music-returns-hong-kong-september-day-long-concert?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3145201/live-music-returns-hong-kong-september-day-long-concert?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Aug 2021 04:15:05 +0000 Tickets to the 2021 edition of Hong Kong’s biggest annual music festival went on sale on March 3. It’s a vote of confidence that the city will have the coronavirus pandemic under control by November. The 13th edition of the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival is expected to take place on the Central Harbourfront Events Space, on Hong Kong Island, from November 26-28. The organisers are aiming to return after a three-year absence – Clockenflap was last held in 2018, with the 2019 and 2020... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3123995/advance-tickets-no-1-hong-kong-music-festival-sale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3123995/advance-tickets-no-1-hong-kong-music-festival-sale?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Mar 2021 04:55:09 +0000 South Korea’s National Assembly passed a bill on Tuesday that will allow male K-pop stars such as the members of BTS to defer their mandatory service in the country’s military. Almost all able-bodied South Korean men must start roughly two years of military service around the time of their 28th birthday. But the bill revising the Military Service Act will enable those who have represented the country internationally and gained global acclaim to delay enlisting until the age of 30 to help boost... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3112092/military-enlistment-bts-members-delayed-law-passes-allow-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/news/article/3112092/military-enlistment-bts-members-delayed-law-passes-allow-k-pop?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:15:09 +0000 Hong Kong’s biggest annual music festival has been cancelled for the second year running, with the coronavirus crisis making it impossible to stage this year’s edition, organisers said. The Clockenflap Festival was to have been held at the Central Harbourfront Event Space over three days in November. Last year’s Clockenflap Festival, at the same venue, was cancelled because of anti-government protests. In a statement posted to social media, the Clockenflap organisers said: “Due to the dynamic... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3092589/hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-clockenflap-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3092589/hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-clockenflap-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jul 2020 03:07:45 +0000 Hong Kong’s biggest annual music and arts festival has been cancelled after the escalation of the anti-government protests that have shaken the city for almost six months, organisers announced on Friday. Clockenflap was due to be held at the Central Harbourfront Event Space from November 22 to 24 and organisers had been pushing ahead despite the cancellation of numerous other large-scale events, including Friday’s annual Oxfam Trailwalker race, the Rolling Loud hip-hop festival (October 19 to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3037981/hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-cancelled-after-protests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3037981/hong-kongs-biggest-music-festival-cancelled-after-protests?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2019 11:56:29 +0000 Approaching its 12th annual instalment, Hong Kong’s Clockenflap is now well established as one of the region’s hottest and hippest festivals. And to earn that reputation, it had to entice a pretty impressive roster of A-list stars to these shores, many of whom are visiting the region for the first time. So what do the stars make of “Asia’s World City” – and what shenanigans to they get up while they’re in town? Ahead of this year’s event, which is returning to Central Harbourfront Event Space... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3036954/clockenflaps-craziest-artists-demands-jack-black-wanted?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3036954/clockenflaps-craziest-artists-demands-jack-black-wanted?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Nov 2019 02:00:15 +0000 The 2019 edition of Hong Kong’s biggest music festival, Clockenflap, will feature big international acts such as Mumford and Sons, Halsey, Lil Pump and Bombay Bicycle Club, but it will also showcase many of the city’s best home-grown bands. In total, there are 52 Hong Kong acts listed on the line-up. Established live favourites – from post-punk group David Boring to singer-songwriter Kevin Kaho Tsui – will perform alongside a bursting roster of up-and-coming names. These are the nine local acts... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3036724/nine-hong-kong-bands-see-citys-biggest-music-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3036724/nine-hong-kong-bands-see-citys-biggest-music-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:00:12 +0000