This December 5 to 7, Hong Kong music and arts festival Clockenflap returns to Central Harbourfront with a broader scope that pushes its identity as one of Asia’s most ambitious music festivals.
The event has long been known for a lineup that cuts across borders and genres, and this year’s edition continues that streak. Five stages will carry a mix of international, regional and local acts, supported by an outdoor setup that looks out over the harbour.
The arts program takes a major step forward through the world premiere of Minimax: The Planets, inspired by the classical suite of English composer Gustav Holst of the same name. Conceptualized by Clockenflap co-founder and artistic director Jay Hofmann-Forster, with design by Obie Chan of Screw Up Studio, the mobile and site-responsive production is a kinetic theatrical work that moves through the festival grounds with each planet embodying a character through an eclectic score blending electronic soundscapes, contemporary jazz and other modern textures. The performance brings together street dance, voguing, hip-hop, circus elements and contemporary movement, turning the classical source into a full theatrical experience.
This year’s music lineup drives the festival’s widening range. My Bloody Valentine, Vaundy, Franz Ferdinand, TV Girl, Beth Gibbons and DJ Riria lead a roster that spreads across shoegaze, R&B, post-punk and electronic music. Clockenflap continues to treat the festival format as a space to expand, shift and experiment.
