A HONG KONG KIND OF SEPTEMBER
A HONG KONG KIND OF
Festival fever hits the city
HONG KONG loves a public holiday – there are a whopping 17 each year – but MidAutumn Festival is arguably the prettiest and tastiest (hello, mooncakes) of them all. Head to Victoria Park (1) (13 September) for the allin-one carnival atmosphere, with lantern displays, stage shows, parades, kung fu demonstrations, palm reading and more. Pick up a traditional lantern from Queen’s Road West in Sheung Wan to join in.
Make sure also to catch the spectacular Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance (2) (12-14 September) encompassing some 300 performers, 24,000 incense sticks and a 67-metrelong dragon. The story goes that the dance began to chase away the plague; it seems to have worked.
The festival spirit is in the air elsewhere this month, too. The IRIS: Your Escape (3) wellness festival returns to Central Harbourfront (2122 September) with fitness gurus to guide you through yoga routines, meditation sessions and sweat-inducing activities from kickboxing to Zumba, after which you’ll find nutritious nibbles in the food market.
If you think laughter is the best alternative medicine, then get ready for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow (4) at the Hong Kong Fringe Club (1622 September). Singaporean funnyman Fakkah Fuzz, Australia’s Becky Lucas and ‘English Comedian of the Year’ Brennan Reece are part of the gang aiming to put a smile on your face.
Alternatively, take your pick from musical acts making a noise this autumn. British pop-rockers The 1975 (5) will play AsiaWorld-Expo while Korean-American singersongwriter Jay Park (6) plays KITEC (8 September) and up-and-coming US roots rock duo Larkin Poe (7) headline indie venue This Town Needs (18 September). For a live symphony orchestra, head to HKCEC for Hans Zimmer Live On Tour (26 September).