Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Clockenflap

Clockenflap is an annual outdoor music and arts festival held in Hong Kong, established in 2008 as the territory's premier international event of its kind, drawing tens of thousands of attendees with diverse global and local performers alongside visual art installations. Organized by Magnetic Asia at the Central Harbourfront since 2011, the festival has evolved from its inaugural edition at Cyberport into a cornerstone of Hong Kong's cultural calendar, featuring headliners such as Arctic Monkeys, A$AP Rocky, and Massive Attack while fostering regional music development. Its growth reflects Hong Kong's emergence as a hub for live music in Asia, though the event was canceled in 2019 due to escalating violence associated with anti-government protests, marking a significant disruption after over a decade of continuity. Subsequent returns have highlighted logistical challenges and attendee concerns, including 2024 reports of sexual harassment, misogynistic behavior, and heavy police presence amid a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.

Background and Organization

Founding and Objectives

Clockenflap was established in 2008 by British expatriates Jay Forster, Mike Hill, and Justin Sweeting, who sought to address the scarcity of comprehensive music and arts festivals in Hong Kong. The inaugural event occurred at Cyberport, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees to a modest one-day gathering that featured local bands, DJs, craft markets, and graffiti artists in a concrete public space. Organized under Magnetic Asia, a company formed in 2007 by music promoters and artists, the festival emerged from the founders' prior involvement in Hong Kong's underground scene, including the Robot DJ collective and earlier events like the Rockit Festival. The primary objectives centered on nurturing Hong Kong's local arts, , and sectors while elevating the city's profile within Asia's contemporary media-arts landscape. Founders aimed to foster cultural exchange through an outdoor platform that extended beyond passive indoor concerts, offering immersive experiences with installations and diverse programming. This vision emphasized broad demographic appeal, accommodating families, children, adults, locals, and expatriates in a community-oriented event distinct from more niche or grungy international festivals. By design, Clockenflap sought to prove Hong Kong's capacity to host large-scale, vibrant cultural gatherings, thereby stimulating the local creative economy and attracting international to build a sustainable ecosystem.

Organizers and Government Involvement

Clockenflap is organized by Clockenflap Festivals Limited, a Hong Kong-based promoter specializing in music events and concerts. The festival was co-founded by individuals including Justin Sweeting, who serves as and has emphasized the event's independent operations despite external investments. In March 2023, acquired a majority stake in Clockenflap Festivals, enabling expanded regional touring under brands like Clockenflap Presents while retaining local management autonomy. Government involvement in Clockenflap is primarily facilitative rather than directive, focusing on venue access and promotional support. The festival utilizes public sites like Central Harbourfront, which require approvals and policy coordination from entities such as the Harbourfront Commission and to secure usage rights. Clockenflap Festivals Limited has received project grants from the government's Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme, including successful applications in funding rounds supporting arts events, though specific amounts for the festival are not publicly detailed beyond aggregate allocations like HK$45.22 million across 16 projects in the 13th round announced in July 2024. The Tourism Board actively promotes Clockenflap as a key cultural to attract visitors, highlighting its role in the city's without direct financial . Organizers have noted no special subsidies or subsidies beyond standard venue and mechanisms, with past statements indicating policies neither significantly aid nor obstruct operations. Revenue models rely on private sponsorships and ticket sales, occasionally involving revenue shares from public site usage, as referenced in early festival pricing discussions.

Funding and Sponsorship Model

Clockenflap's funding model relies on diversified revenue streams, including ticket sales, sponsorship partnerships, merchandise, and on-site concessions, with production and ticketing handled in-house via platforms like Ticketflap for cashless transactions and digital marketing. In March 2023, Live Nation Entertainment acquired a majority stake in Clockenflap Festivals, providing substantial financial backing, global promotional infrastructure, and enhanced artist procurement capabilities while preserving local operational independence as asserted by co-founders. Sponsorship constitutes a primary pillar, enabling brands to fund aspects of the event in exchange for integrated marketing activations, stage , and experiential zones designed to deliver measurable business results such as audience engagement and . Financial sector partners dominate visibility, with institutions like , , JP Morgan, , and sponsoring main stages and activations in recent years. Consumer and lifestyle brands further bolster the model, including Martell for elevated cognac tastings and VIP areas, as principal food sponsor with exclusive menus, and insurers such as and AIA for branded zones. The Tourism Board contributes sponsorship to align with cultural and visitor promotion objectives. Fashion collaborators like and Levi's have participated via targeted pop-ups and apparel integrations since at least 2012. This structure mitigates risks associated with high production costs for a multi-day, multi-stage event attracting tens of thousands, allowing sponsors to offset expenses through direct consumer touchpoints while organizers leverage partnerships for scalability.

Event Format and Features

Music and Arts Programming

Clockenflap's music programming centers on live performances by a diverse array of international, regional, and local artists across multiple stages, encompassing genres such as , , , pop, and . The festival typically features six primary stages, including the main Harbourflap Stage for headlining acts, the Hang Seng Stage, Park Stage sponsored by Martell, Electriq for , Robot Stage, and Topper Stage, allowing simultaneous performances to cater to varied tastes. This multi-stage setup enables over 100 acts per edition, with scheduling designed to minimize overlaps and facilitate attendee navigation via maps and apps. Arts programming integrates visual and interactive elements throughout the venue, featuring large-scale installations, sculptures, live , murals, and exhibits that interact with the music and harborfront setting. These features, often commissioned from local and creators, provide immersive experiences such as interactive displays and site-specific works, enhancing the festival's cultural dimension beyond music. attractions and screenings occasionally complement the , though the emphasis remains on contemporary installations that evolve annually to reflect thematic curations.

Stages, Installations, and Additional Activities

Clockenflap typically features six stages dedicated to diverse musical genres, enabling simultaneous performances across the festival site. The Harbourflap Stage serves as the primary venue for headlining acts, such as and in 2024. The Hang Seng Stage hosts a broad range of international and regional artists spanning rock, indie, and alternative music, including and in recent years. Specialized stages include Electriq for and dance acts like and PARTIBOI69, the Park Stage by Martell for emerging and edgy talents such as , and the Robot Stage, which transitions from family-oriented programming during the day to DJ sets at night. The Topper Stage focuses on experimental and influences. Art installations emphasize immersive and interactive experiences, integrating visual and performative elements throughout the venue. Notable examples include Futurescope, an experiential attraction by UK-based Esthetika that creates kaleidoscopic, wellness-oriented environments. The Origin functions as a mobile DJ booth and sculptural installation by local designers Screw Up Studio and Matt Hui Yip Long, fostering spontaneous gatherings with high-energy visuals. Other installations, such as the 800-meter Hello Hong Kong Balloon Chain, provide large-scale, site-specific visual landmarks. Earlier editions have showcased kinetic sculptures and artworks from emerging artists, often powered by human interaction or sustainable mechanisms. Additional activities extend beyond music and art to include zones, workshops, and sessions. The Robot Stage offers daytime programs like arts and crafts at the Children’s , alongside movement activities such as Animal Flow for physical engagement. Sonic installations like Communal Frequencies deliver ambient soundscapes for relaxation. Fashion presents exhibitions of emerging Asian designers and fusion events linking music with apparel. Over 24 food and beverage outlets provide diverse culinary options, though outside food is prohibited, emphasizing on-site vendors for logistics. These elements support the festival's multidisciplinary format, accommodating varied attendee interests across three days.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Tickets for Clockenflap are sold exclusively through the official platform Ticketflap, accessible at ticketflap.com/clockenflap2025, to prevent invalid entries from unauthorized resellers such as Carousell, , or . Attendees must ensure tickets are linked to their Ticketflap account and match government-issued ID upon entry, with transfers permitted only via the platform's "Send Ticket" function prior to scanning. For the 2025 edition, general admission (GA) options include 3-day passes at HK$1,990 and single-day passes (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) at HK$1,280, while under-18 (U18) tickets are priced at HK$1,590 for 3 days and HK$880 per single day. Children under 3 enter free without a ticket, limited to two per GA ticket holder, but all attendees under 16 require accompaniment by a guardian aged 18 or older. Physical accessibility at the Central Harbourfront venue is generally supported by flat suitable for wheelchairs, though organizers recommend that users of powered devices contact staff for prior approval due to potential site-specific constraints. Official documentation emphasizes age-based policies over detailed accommodations, with no explicit provisions listed for viewing platforms, , or sensory support, reflecting a focus on basic venue rather than comprehensive inclusive infrastructure. The event's terms commit to standards but extend limited event-specific guidance, underscoring reliance on the harborfront's inherent layout for .

Venue and Operations

Primary Locations and Evolution

The inaugural edition of Clockenflap took place on March 1, 2008, at in Pokfulam on , utilizing a concrete public space within the residential and commercial development as a one-day event accommodating approximately 1,500 attendees. The 2009 festival returned to the same venue, but faced challenges including noise complaints from nearby residents, which prompted organizers to seek alternative sites. Beginning in 2011, Clockenflap relocated to the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, an open-area site adjacent to the emerging on the , where it remained for five editions through 2015. This shift allowed for expanded programming across multiple stages and arts installations, leveraging the promenade's proximity to and greater capacity for growth amid Hong Kong's developing cultural infrastructure. In 2016, ongoing redevelopment of the West Kowloon site for permanent cultural facilities necessitated another move, with the festival transferring to the Central Harbourfront Event Space on Island's northern waterfront. The new location, spanning approximately 120,000 square meters of reclaimed land, supported scaled-up operations with enhanced logistics for up to 35,000 daily attendees, improved sightlines over the harbor, and integration of floating stages during select years. Central Harbourfront has served as the primary venue since, including for the dual 2023 editions in March and December following pandemic-related hiatuses, with organizers citing irreversible design alterations at West Kowloon as precluding any return. This evolution reflects adaptations to urban development pressures, noise mitigation needs, and demands for larger, visually dynamic spaces suited to the festival's maturation into a multi-day international event. Clockenflap's attendance has shown steady growth since its inception, evolving from smaller crowds in its early years to near-capacity events in recent editions. In 2012, the festival drew around 4,000 attendees over its initial days at Cyberport. By the mid-2010s, following the shift to Central Harbourfront, attendance reached over 35,000, reflecting increased popularity and expanded programming. The COVID-19 pandemic and preceding social unrest led to cancellations from 2019 to 2021, but recovery was swift; the March 2023 edition attracted a record 83,000 festivalgoers across three days. A second edition in December 2023 also sold out, contributing to sustained high demand. In 2024, over 60,000 fans attended the November 29 to December 1 event. The Central Harbourfront venue maintains a daily of 30,000 across six stages, limiting total attendance to approximately 90,000 over three days while prioritizing safety and flow. Logistics emphasize efficient crowd management through the site's integration with 's public transport infrastructure. Attendees primarily access the venue via the at Station, followed by a short walk or signage-guided path; ferries to Central Pier and buses provide additional options, with taxis dropping off at designated points to minimize congestion. Organizers coordinate road closures and maintain public pathways through the site to handle peak ingress and egress, supporting the event's scale without reported major disruptions in recent years.

Safety and Security Measures

Attendees and their belongings are subject to search upon each entry to the grounds to enforce prohibited items policies and maintain order. Prohibited items include bottles, which pose injury risks in dense crowds, and umbrellas, which obstruct visibility and movement; reusable plastic bottles are permitted alongside free water refill stations. These restrictions align with broader efforts to mitigate hazards during the event's high , often exceeding 100,000 over multiple days. Entry requires valid tickets scanned at gates, with photo identification matching the ticket holder's name; tickets from unauthorized resellers are invalid, and re-entry after scanning is not permitted without special provisions. Age policies mandate that individuals under 16 years old be accompanied by a guardian over 18, while those under 18 require specific youth tickets and ID verification to prevent in potentially hazardous environments. The collaborates with organizers, deploying plain-clothes officers to integrate into crowds for monitoring public order, detecting drug-related offenses, and preempting disruptions, a practice intensified since at least 2017 amid annual security challenges. In 2024, a notably heavy uniformed presence was reported, coinciding with incidents of reported misbehavior including allegations, reflecting adapted measures in response to post-2019 unrest dynamics. Organizers acknowledge recurring threats to audience safety from external factors like protests, reserving unilateral rights to cancel or modify operations if conditions—such as violence or —deem it necessary, as exercised in when escalating clashes led to full cancellation after initial plans to proceed.

Historical Development

Inception and Early Years (2008–2012)

Clockenflap was founded in 2008 by music enthusiasts Jay Forster, Mike Hill, and Justin Sweeting, who sought to establish a nurturing Hong Kong's local music and arts scene amid a lack of established festival infrastructure. The inaugural edition occurred in January 2008 as a one-day event at , drawing approximately 1,500 attendees with a mix of local acts and art installations staged amid residential towers. The 2009 edition expanded to two days on November 7–8, initially at before shifting indoors to a in due to noise complaints from nearby residents. Programming featured bands such as Uptown Rockers, Poubelle International, and Bodhi alongside international shorts from Future Shorts and BAFTA nominees. In 2010, the festival relocated to Blindspot Annex and adopted free entry to boost accessibility, reflecting organizers' efforts to build audience amid financial risks. By 2011, Clockenflap moved to the West Waterfront Promenade for a free-entry event that attracted 18,000 attendees but strained finances due to ambiguous commercial agreements with authorities, nearly leading to . The 2012 edition, held December 1–2 at the same site, marked further growth with site expansion to six stages, including a children's area, and projected attendance of 25,000, solidifying its role in Hong Kong's emerging festival landscape despite persistent logistical hurdles like venue instability.

Growth and International Recognition (2013–2018)

During this period, Clockenflap transitioned from a regional event to Hong Kong's premier international music and , marked by significant expansions in duration, scale, and global artist bookings. In 2013, the festival extended to three days at the , drawing approximately 30,000 attendees across seven stages that included new additions like a tent and film screenings in collaboration with the . International acts such as highlighted its growing appeal beyond local audiences, with programming encompassing diverse elements like sessions, , and silent discos to broaden accessibility. By 2014, attendance surged to over 45,000, supported by an increase to ten stages and higher ticket prices reflecting demand, while the event's harborfront views and mix of global and local talent—such as —fostered comparisons to established festivals like Bonnaroo. This growth underscored Clockenflap's logistical maturation, with organizers emphasizing a premium experience amid Hong Kong's challenging environment for large-scale live music. The 2015 edition achieved a high of over 60,000 visitors, solidifying its status as the city's marquee music event, bolstered by acts like and a demographic breakdown showing substantial local and expatriate participation. In 2016, the festival relocated to Central Harbourfront for enhanced capacity and visibility, hosting around 70,000 attendees with headliners including , Foals, M.I.A., and & , which drew music tourists and elevated its profile on the Asian festival circuit. Subsequent years amplified this trajectory: 2017 featured , , and alongside over 100 acts for its 10th anniversary, attracting tens of thousands daily and championing underground talent amid international draws. By 2018, the lineup boasted , , , and across five stages for more than 100 artists, cementing Clockenflap's reputation as a key destination for global performers in the region. This era's achievements, including consistent year-over-year attendance gains and bookings of Grammy-nominated and chart-topping artists, positioned the festival as a cultural for , generating economic spillover through despite high operational costs.

Disruptions from Unrest and Pandemic (2019–2021)

The 2019 edition of Clockenflap, scheduled for November 15–17 at the Central Harbourfront, was cancelled on November 15 due to escalating social unrest and violence between protesters and police in Hong Kong. Organizers Magnetic Asia cited the week's intensification of the crisis, which created insurmountable uncertainty for staging the 60,000-capacity event featuring headliners such as Mumford & Sons and Lil Pump. This marked the festival's first cancellation, as the ongoing anti-government protests, which had persisted for months, disrupted public safety and logistics across the city, affecting multiple large-scale events. The 2020 edition, planned for November 27–29, was cancelled on July 10 amid the global , with organizers stating that the health crisis rendered it impossible to host the event safely. No artists had been announced and no tickets sold at the time of the announcement, allowing for a relatively contained financial impact compared to prior years. Clockenflap 2021, set for November 26–28, faced cancellation on September 29 due to stringent government restrictions, including mandates for seated audiences, bans on food and drink sales, and severe limitations on international travel that prevented artist participation. These measures, aimed at curbing transmission, clashed with the festival's format of standing crowds and multi-day programming, leading organizers to deem the event unfeasible without compromising its core experience. The consecutive cancellations strained the local events industry, highlighting Hong Kong's prolonged recovery challenges from intertwined political and health disruptions.

Recovery and Dual Editions (2022–2023)

Following a four-year hiatus due to the 2019 protests and subsequent COVID-19 restrictions, Clockenflap organizers announced the festival's resumption on November 8, 2022, scheduling the event for March 3 to 5, 2023, at Central Harbourfront Event Space. This return aligned with Hong Kong's border reopening and easing of pandemic measures, enabling large-scale gatherings for the first time since 2018. The edition featured over 100 acts across multiple stages, including headliners Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, Wu-Tang Clan, and The Cardigans, alongside regional performers like Hong Kong's Tyson Yoshi and Per Se. It achieved the festival's first complete sell-out, drawing 87,000 attendees—the largest mask-free crowd in its history—and signaled strong post-pandemic demand for live music events. The March edition's success prompted a second 2023 installment, announced on September 19, to accommodate unmet interest and capitalize on renewed momentum. Held December 1 to 3 at the same venue, it showcased headliners , , , , and , with additional acts like and local talents such as Gong Gong Gong. Attendance exceeded 80,000, reflecting sustained enthusiasm despite a nearly 23% ticket price increase to HK$1,990 for three-day passes. This dual-format approach within the year marked an operational expansion, facilitated by Live Nation's acquisition of the festival in March 2023, which provided resources for back-to-back events amid Hong Kong's recovering tourism and entertainment sectors.

Recent Innovations and Expansion (2024–present)

In 2024, Clockenflap returned to a single three-day edition from November 29 to December 1 at Central Harbourfront Event Space, featuring six stages hosting over 80 acts, including headliners Jack White, Air, St. Vincent, and Central Cee alongside regional talents like Japan's Creepy Nuts. This configuration marked an expansion in programming diversity, with enhanced electronic and indie segments drawing from global acts such as techno veteran Dave Clarke and British psychedelic rock band Glass Animals, while incorporating over 24 food outlets and interactive art installations to broaden attendee experiences. The 2025 edition, scheduled for December 5–7, introduced , a pioneering mobile and modular theatrical program premiering as a site-responsive fusion of theater, live music, (including street, voguing, , and elements), and audience participation. Conceptualized by Jay Hofmann-Forster and designed by Obie Chan, Minimax reinterprets Gustav Holst's through eclectic scores blending electronic and influences, utilizing large-scale rolling sets to activate liminal festival spaces and involving local performers such as musicians, a community choir, street dancers, and students from the Academy for . This addition, supported by the SAR Government's Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme, represents a structural in integrating beyond traditional music stages, aiming to enhance cultural immersion. Lineup expansions for 2025 further underscore growth, with early announcements featuring acts like Franz Ferdinand, , Japan's and , and American duo , complemented by youth ticket discounts to increase accessibility. These developments reflect sustained post-recovery scaling, prioritizing hybrid East-West artist curation and infrastructural enhancements to position Clockenflap as a premier festival.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Contributions to Hong Kong's Arts Ecosystem

Clockenflap has bolstered Hong Kong's arts ecosystem by serving as a key platform for local musicians, enabling them to share stages with international headliners and gain visibility among large crowds. In 2023, the programmed 46 Hong Kong-based acts, representing a substantial portion of its lineup and highlighting independent talents such as band Gong Gong Gong. This approach has positioned Clockenflap as a discovery hub for the city's , where local performers routinely draw enthusiastic responses from diverse audiences. The extends its influence beyond music through integrated programming, featuring installations and interactive exhibits that incorporate creators. The 2017 edition, commemorating its 10th year, showcased large-scale artworks designed to immerse attendees in experiences, blending local artistic input with global influences to elevate the event's cultural profile. More recent initiatives, such as the production, convene emerging local ensembles, community choirs, and street artists, fostering cross-disciplinary networks and community-driven at the site. By curating over 100 acts annually across six stages—encompassing regional and local performers—Clockenflap sustains momentum in Hong Kong's creative sectors, collaborating with groups and charities to address gaps in the local calendar. Organizers have emphasized nurturing the domestic scene through these opportunities, transforming the event from a modest gathering into a cornerstone of the city's cultural infrastructure that promotes broad accessibility and innovation.

Economic Benefits and Tourism Boost

Clockenflap contributes to Hong Kong's economy through direct expenditures on tickets, concessions, and merchandise, as well as indirect effects on sectors like , transportation, and . The , held at the Central Harbourfront, draws crowds that stimulate local businesses, particularly during its multi-day events where attendees spend on accommodations and dining. In , the event attracted around attendees across its editions, generating revenue from high-demand ticket sales that often sell out rapidly. A key driver of economic impact is the festival's appeal to international tourists, with approximately 40% of attendees in recent years coming from overseas, boosting visitor numbers and related spending. These tourists elevate occupancy rates and retail sales in the vicinity, as evidenced by patterns observed during past editions where overseas fans increased demand for short-term stays and local commerce. As part of Hong Kong's broader "concert economy," large-scale events like Clockenflap have helped drive HK$3.7 billion in total spending from over 4.2 million spectators—including 1.5 million visitors—across 350 pop concerts in 2023 and 2024. The festival's growth underscores its role in mega events projected to add HK$4.3 billion to the local economy in through 210 such gatherings attracting 1.7 million visitors and HK$7.2 billion in spending. Attendance has expanded from 2,500 in its debut to up to 30,000 per day in recent years, amplifying these benefits while positioning as a regional hub for live music experiences.

Long-Term Effects on Local Music Industry

Clockenflap has provided a sustained platform for Hong Kong's local musicians since its debut in , annually integrating dozens of homegrown acts into lineups alongside international headliners to amplify their exposure to large, diverse audiences exceeding 30,000 attendees per day in recent editions. This visibility has enabled artists such as Supper Moment, ANWIYCTI, and Chochukmo to perform on major stages, bridging local sounds like and experimental genres with global influences and attracting attention from industry scouts and fans beyond traditional circuits. By offering higher-tier slots—such as stage-closing sets for collectives like Yack Studio in 2023—the festival has facilitated career milestones, including subsequent tours and recordings for performers who might otherwise lack comparable opportunities in a venue-scarce market. Over the long term, the event has driven structural growth in the local industry by diversifying beyond dominance, spurring an expansion in events from a handful every few months pre-2011 to over five monthly by 2017, alongside new bars, clubs, stations, and independent labels. This ecosystem maturation has encouraged original compositions over cover-heavy performances, fostering professional development for DJs, producers, and bands through consistent festival exposure that builds fanbases and revenue streams from live events. The festival's role in regenerating interest in live music has been particularly evident post-2019 unrest and pandemic disruptions, which halted performances for over two years; its 2023 editions, featuring 46 acts across genres like lo-fi dreamcore and R&B, marked a revival that sustained indie momentum amid talent exodus challenges. Clockenflap's emphasis on local talent has positioned as a burgeoning hub in Asia's landscape, influencing regional festivals and enabling artists like Cehryl and Is A Bep to gain international traction through festival-curated showcases that highlight evolving scenes. While direct causation for individual breakthroughs remains anecdotal, the festival's scale—evolving from 2,500 attendees in 2008 to dual 2023 events—has correlated with broader industry professionalization, including better event infrastructure and cross-cultural collaborations that enhance musicians' global competitiveness.

Controversies and Criticisms

2019 Cancellation Amid Social Unrest

The Clockenflap music and arts festival, scheduled for November 22–24, 2019, at Hong Kong's Central Harbourfront, was canceled on November 15, 2019, by organizers Magnetic Asia amid intensifying social unrest stemming from months-long protests that began in June over a proposed extradition bill. The decision followed a week of heightened violence between demonstrators and police, including clashes that disrupted public transport and heightened safety concerns in the city center where the event was to be held. In their official announcement, Magnetic Asia stated that, despite prior commitment to proceeding, "the escalation of the crisis this week, and therefore the uncertainty this creates for the coming weeks," rendered the event impossible, expressing pain over the cancellation while prioritizing safety for attendees, artists, staff, and vendors. The festival, anticipated to attract around 60,000 attendees, featured headliners such as , , and , alongside local and regional acts, marking it as Hong Kong's largest annual outdoor event and the highest-profile casualty of the unrest at that point. Refunds for tickets were processed within four weeks, with organizers emphasizing that the move was unavoidable given the deteriorating security environment, which had already led to the postponement or cancellation of other public gatherings. The protests, initially triggered by opposition to the perceived as eroding , had evolved into widespread demonstrations demanding democratic reforms, but included instances of , , and confrontations that strained public order and for large-scale events. This cancellation underscored the broader economic ripple effects of the unrest on Hong Kong's entertainment sector, though organizers maintained optimism for future iterations once stability returned.

Reports of Misconduct and Harassment

In 2024, Scottish DJ Simone Murphy, performing under the stage name Sim0ne, reported being sexually harassed by audience members during her set at Clockenflap on December 1. Murphy described in a video how teenage male attendees groped her and made explicit comments while she performed, prompting her to seek intervention from security staff, who allegedly dismissed her complaints and failed to remove the perpetrators despite repeated requests. Broader attendee and performer complaints emerged on social media platforms following the festival, alleging instances of sexual harassment, misogynistic behavior, and inadequate security responses amid heavy police presence primarily focused on unrelated crowd control. These reports highlighted a pattern of misbehavior, including groping and verbal abuse toward women, though organizers did not publicly respond to the specific DJ incident by early December 2024. No formal investigations or arrests related to these harassment claims were confirmed in available reports, and prior editions of Clockenflap lack documented similar allegations in major outlets.

Critiques on Commercialization and Exclusivity

Critiques of Clockenflap's commercialization intensified after Live Nation acquired a majority stake in its organizer, Magnetic Asia, on March 22, 2023, prompting concerns among some industry observers that the festival's independent ethos could erode under global corporate influence, potentially prioritizing profit-driven lineups over diverse artistic curation. Co-founders Justin Sweeting and Mike Hill countered that the partnership preserved operational autonomy, emphasizing continued focus on Hong Kong's local scene amid plans for expansion, though the deal transferred and raised questions about long-term creative control. The festival's heavy reliance on corporate sponsorships and high-production international acts has also drawn commentary for transforming its origins as a and arts event into a more polished, brand-oriented spectacle, diluting its countercultural appeal in favor of mainstream . On exclusivity, Clockenflap's structure has faced scrutiny for limiting , with three-day general admission passes costing $1,990 (approximately [US](/page/United_States)255) in 2024—unchanged from prior years—and single-day tickets at $880, figures deemed prohibitive for many residents amid the city's high living costs and income disparities. Organizers have acknowledged that such prices may exclude low earners locally, contributing to an audience skewed toward expatriates and higher-income attendees in early iterations. This exclusivity was underscored by a 2011 mandate from authorities requiring free entry due to insufficient presales, which organizers described as Hong Kong's largest free outdoor music event to cultivate broader participation and offset financial risks in a market lacking strong culture. Broader critiques of Hong Kong's live music ecosystem, including Clockenflap, attribute elevated prices to venue shortages, high rents, and limited , exacerbating barriers for domestic audiences compared to regional festivals with lower costs.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews and Achievements

Clockenflap has received consistently positive critical acclaim for its diverse lineups, scenic waterfront location overlooking , and seamless organization, positioning it as a premier destination on the Asian festival circuit. In a 2024 review, described the event as "eclectic and exciting as ever," highlighting its ability to blend global headliners with regional acts amid Hong Kong's skyline, despite capacity limits of around 30,000 attendees per day. Similarly, praised the 2024 edition for uniting Eastern and Western artists, including and Creepy Nuts, in performances that drew strong crowds and underscored the festival's international appeal. Critics have lauded Clockenflap's and cultural , with Consequence noting in 2023 that it elevated Kong's status in the global music scene through vibrant, multi-stage programming that featured acts like and local innovators. Earlier coverage from VICE in 2017 emphasized its "warm, endearing, and tightly-run" atmosphere, contrasting it favorably with larger Western festivals by avoiding overcrowding and maintaining punctuality. Rolling Stone Australia echoed this in 2024, calling it one of the planet's most unique festivals due to its genre-colliding sets under the harborfront backdrop. Key achievements include its status as Hong Kong's longest-running outdoor music and arts festival, launched in 2008 and reaching its 15th edition by 2023. The event has set attendance records, drawing a peak of 83,000 festivalgoers over three days during its 2023 post-hiatus return at , surpassing the 70,000 from 2018. These figures affirm its role as the city's largest such gathering, with consistent sellouts and expansions to multiple stages accommodating international, regional, and local talent.

Attendee Experiences and Feedback

Attendees consistently highlight the festival's Central Harbourfront location as a standout feature, providing stunning panoramic views of Hong Kong's skyline and that create an immersive urban backdrop enhancing the overall sensory experience. The event's capacity of approximately 30,000 per day across six stages fosters a vibrant, global community atmosphere, with crowds described as friendly, laid-back, and euphoric during high-energy performances. Feedback on the music lineup emphasizes its eclectic diversity, spanning genres from rock and electronica to rap and J-pop, with headliners like Jack White, Air, and St. Vincent delivering memorable sets that elicited strong crowd reactions, including mosh pits and synchronized sing-alongs to classics such as "Seven Nation Army." Local and international acts contribute to a sense of cultural bridging, appealing to a broad demographic including families, expats, and young professionals who appreciate the festival's multi-day, multi-sensory format. Sustainability efforts receive praise for practical implementation, including reusable metal water bottles with free refills, compostable , and waste-sorting stations, which promote a litter-free and align with attendee values for responsible event practices. Organizational elements like and staging are generally well-regarded, though some note the commercialized nature with food and drink stalls as expected for a large-scale event. Criticisms include high ticket and concession prices, which some attendees find prohibitive compared to regional alternatives, alongside occasional overcrowding and queue-cutting incidents. In 2024, reports of misbehavior escalated, with performer DJ Sim0ne detailing sexual harassment from groups of teenage boys involving obscene gestures and explicit messages during her set, amid claims of inadequate security response despite alerts. Social media complaints highlighted disruptive pushing and a perceived rise in "frat-boy" conduct, prompting a heavy police presence and official zero-tolerance reminders for abuse toward artists and ticket holders, which divided feedback on safety versus festival relaxation. Despite these issues, post-event surveys have historically shown overwhelmingly positive overall sentiment.

Influence on Regional Festivals

Clockenflap has contributed to the evolution of music festivals across by establishing a model of high-production-value, multi-genre events that integrate music with and urban settings, attracting over 30,000 attendees daily in recent editions and drawing international headliners to the region. This approach has raised expectations for festival quality, prompting organizers in cities like and to incorporate similar elements of diverse lineups blending Eastern and Western acts. A key mechanism of influence lies in its role as a talent incubator and booking pipeline: international artists debuting at Clockenflap often secure slots at subsequent Asian events, while regional acts gain visibility for global tours, fostering cross-border artist mobility. For instance, performers from , , , and who headline or feature at the festival frequently transition to festivals such as Fuji Rock in or We The Fest in , amplifying Asian music's presence on international circuits. Following Live Nation's 2023 acquisition of a stake, Clockenflap's organizers announced plans to expand into other Asian markets, potentially launching branded offshoots or collaborative events to replicate its format regionally while maintaining operational independence. This strategic growth, backed by the global promoter, positions the to directly shape emerging scenes in Southeast and , where demand for immersive, harborfront-style experiences has surged.

References

  1. [1]
    Clockenflap | 5 - 7 Dec, 2025
    Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival, 5 - 7 Dec 2025 at Central Harbourfront in Hong Kong.
  2. [2]
    Clockenflap & the story of how Hong Kong learned to rock - Asia Times
    Nov 12, 2016 · The first Clockenflap was held in a concrete public space in the middle of a largely empty housing development called Cyberport. It later ...Missing: key facts
  3. [3]
    Clockenflap 2025 - Hong Kong Tourism Board
    Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, takes place at the Central Harbourfront from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December.
  4. [4]
    clockenflap history
    CLOCKENFLAP HISTORY. 2024. 2023 DECEMBER. 2023 MARCH. 2019. 2018. 2017. 2016. 2015. 2014. 2013. 2012. 2011. 2010. 2009. 2008. LEGAL.Missing: key facts
  5. [5]
    From Cyberport to Central: The History of Clockenflap | Coconuts
    Nov 14, 2017 · The Clockenflap story really began in mid-October 2003 in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, the site of the first Rockit Hong Kong Music Festival, ...Missing: key facts
  6. [6]
    15 years of Clockenflap: a visual history of Hong Kong's festival ...
    Nov 30, 2023 · From A$AP Rocky to Arctic Monkeys, a visual history of Hong Kong's music and arts festival Clockenflap on its 15th year.Missing: key facts<|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Clockenflap: Turning Cultural Collateral into an International Event
    Feb 2, 2016 · Eight years ago, Clockenflap was a small gathering of music and art lovers. Now the festival is one of the major events on the Hong Kong cultural calendar.Missing: history facts
  8. [8]
    Clockenflap Music Festival Canceled Amid Escalating Violence
    Nov 17, 2019 · A 14-year-old festival expected to draw 60,000 fans to Hong Kong has been canceled by organizers overwhelmed by increasing tensions between pro- ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  9. [9]
    Hong Kong's Clockenflap festival cancelled amid escalating crisis
    Nov 15, 2019 · The 60,000-capacity event due to host Mumford & Sons and Lil Pump was called off after a week of violence between police and protesters.Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  10. [10]
    At Clockenflap 2024 Hong Kong festival, music but also misogyny ...
    Dec 4, 2024 · Festivalgoers and performers took to social media with allegations of sexual harassment and bad behaviour, and noted a heavy police presence.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  11. [11]
    Interview: Clockenflap co-founder hits back at 'baseless lecturing ...
    Nov 26, 2017 · The co-founder of Clockenflap, the city's largest music and arts festival, has spoken out about negative comments made by festival-goers in a survey conducted ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
  12. [12]
    10th Annual Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival Set for 17
    Nov 13, 2017 · Their stated goals for the festival were to nurture the Hong Kong arts, music, and film scene and "put the city on Asia's contemporary media- ...Missing: objectives | Show results with:objectives<|separator|>
  13. [13]
    The Story of Clockenflap - Tatler Asia
    Nov 15, 2012 · Two founders of Clockenflap tell us why it is sad to organise the only real music festival in Hong Kong.Missing: key facts
  14. [14]
    Magnetic Asia - Gig Life Pro
    Magnetic Asia was founded in Hong Kong in 2007 by a small group of passionate music event promoters, artists, and technology nerds who were determined to ...
  15. [15]
    Live Nation acquires Hong Kong-based festival promoter Clockenflap
    Mar 22, 2023 · Clockenflap also organises regular touring concerts in Hong Kong under the brand Clockenflap Presents, with recent sold-out shows announced for ...
  16. [16]
    EXCLUSIVE: Clockenflap co-founders assert 'autonomy' after Live ...
    Mar 22, 2023 · Despite losing a controlling stake in Clockenflap Festivals, Music Director Justin Sweeting said: “We still run an independent business.
  17. [17]
    Live Nation Acquires Majority Interest In Hong Kong's Clockenflap
    Mar 22, 2023 · Live Nation has acquired a majority interest in Clockenflap, the Hong Kong-based event organizer behind the flagship Clockenflap festival.
  18. [18]
    [PDF] Large Scale Events on the Harbourfront The Clockenflap Perspective
    A Hong Kong based company employing over 30 people. • Launched Clockenflap in 2008. Now in its 10th year, it attracts over 35,000 people which generates.
  19. [19]
    [PDF] List of Successful Applicants of the 13th Round Funding Exercise
    Clockenflap Festivals Limited. MINIMAX Pop-up Theatre. Multi-disciplinary ... with the Government. The Secretariat, Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme.
  20. [20]
    Results of applications for 13th-round funding exercise of Arts ...
    Jul 30, 2024 · A total of 16 successful applications (13 for Project Grants and three for Springboard Grants) will be funded, involving a total amount of around $45.22 ...Missing: involvement | Show results with:involvement
  21. [21]
    Doing the Clockenflap - Taipei Times
    Oct 31, 2017 · Hong Kong's government, Sweeting says, has not acted especially to either help or hinder the event. “We don't have any special funding or ...
  22. [22]
    Clockenflap festival charging up to HK$590 this year
    Nov 11, 2012 · City's biggest alternative-music event will cost up to HK$590, with government taking a cut; we lost a lot of money last year, organiser says.Missing: involvement funding
  23. [23]
    Justin Sweeting - Clockenflap & Total Ticketing | LinkedIn
    We manage our own brands which include Hong Kong's largest music festival, Clockenflap, Hong Kong's leading online ticketing platform www.ticketflap.com, ...
  24. [24]
    Sponsors - Clockenflap
    We create a memorable and relevant role for your brand at the heart of the event – that achieves your marketing objectives, drive tangible business results ...Missing: funding | Show results with:funding
  25. [25]
    How are brand sponsors measuring ROI from their Clockenflap ...
    Mar 9, 2023 · Brand sponsors such as foodpanda Hong Kong and FWD Insurance are seeing satisfactory return on investment (ROI) from sponsoring this year's Clockenflap.
  26. [26]
    Clockenflap Festival review 2024: Hong Kong's biggest music ...
    Dec 4, 2024 · Thrusting high above the harbourfront site are the main-stage headliners of the banking world: JP Morgan, HSBC, Citibank, Bank of America, and ...
  27. [27]
    Hang Seng Bank - A Sustainable Brand Activation - Clockenflap 24
    Energy Floors partnered with Hang Seng Bank for an engaging brand activation at the Clockenflap Festival in Hong Kong, combining sustainability with interactive ...
  28. [28]
    Martell elevates experience for music lovers with Clockenflap ...
    Nov 26, 2024 · In addition to Martell, Clockenflap is also sponsored by brands including Hang Seng Bank, FASHION ASIA the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Pizza ...Missing: funding | Show results with:funding
  29. [29]
    Everything you need to know about Clockenflap 2024 - Time Out
    Nov 19, 2024 · As Hong Kong's biggest international music and arts festival that takes place outdoors, every year Clockenflap brings together a wide range of ...Missing: history facts
  30. [30]
    FWD Group extends support as Official Partner for Clockenflap's ...
    Nov 15, 2017 · FWD Group (“FWD”) today announced its continuing support as Official Partner for the highly-anticipated Clockenflap Hong Kong's Music and Arts
  31. [31]
    Clockenflap Festival review 2024: Hong Kong's biggest music ...
    Dec 4, 2024 · ... sponsors AIA. ... Both companies benefit from proven business models in growing industries where consumer habits are firmly established.Missing: funding | Show results with:funding
  32. [32]
    Inside Clockenflap: Hong Kong's Biggest International Festival
    Jan 22, 2024 · As a music and arts festival, Clockenflap provides a whimsical experience for fans with wild art installations and attractions.
  33. [33]
    Clockenflap 2025 line-up revealed - Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
    May 13, 2025 · Hong Kong's Clockenflap music and arts festival returns this December with Rich Brian, Jacob Collier, Franz Ferdinand and Yogo Yin ...Missing: programming | Show results with:programming
  34. [34]
    Clockenflap 2024: Hong Kong's Premier Music Festival - Klook Travel
    Feb 17, 2025 · Clockenflap 2024 is Hong Kong's premier music and arts festival, from Nov 29 to Dec 1, with diverse music, art, and family activities.<|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Clockenflap 2024: Hong Kong's Unmissable Music Festival
    Nov 6, 2024 · From vibrant murals and live painting to multimedia installations, Clockenflap's art program is designed to engage attendees and provide a multi ...
  36. [36]
    Clockenflap 2024: Artists, Tickets, Stages - The HK HUB
    Rating 5.0 (2) Nov 19, 2024 · This year's art attractions include experiential attraction Futurescope, mobile DJ booth and art installation The Origin, and the ever-changing ...
  37. [37]
    Saturday Highlights 2024 - Clockenflap
    Dec 1, 2024 · Saturday highlights included Central Cee, St. Vincent, Suede, Partiboi69, and Sakurazaka46, plus art, animation, and family activities.Missing: additional | Show results with:additional
  38. [38]
    Clockenflap - Facebook
    Nov 28, 2024 · FUTURESCOPE Created by UK art and wellness production company Esthetika, Futurescope transports festivalgoers to a kaleidoscopic world that ...<|separator|>
  39. [39]
    Hong Kong Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival 2024 Full Lineup ...
    Nov 24, 2024 · The Origin ~ A mobile DJ booth and art installation by Screw Up Studio and renowned local designer Matt Hui Yip Long, featuring high-energy ...
  40. [40]
    Everything You Need to Know About Clockenflap
    Nov 28, 2012 · These include huge art installations from emerging Hong Kong artists, and some from around the world, on display. Kinetic and human-powered ...
  41. [41]
    Five art installations you have got to see at Clockenflap this weekend
    Nov 13, 2017 · This year's edition will feature artworks and large-scale interactive installations throughout the site from around the world. Here are our five favourites.Missing: Futurescope Origin
  42. [42]
    Clockenflap Unveils Festival Map, Schedule Plus Full Lineup of ...
    Nov 21, 2024 · [Hong Kong, November 18, 2024] · SIX STAGES OF MUSIC · Harbourflap Stage · Hang Seng Stage · Park Stage by Martell · Electriq · Robot Stage · TopperMissing: history | Show results with:history
  43. [43]
    Festival Information - Clockenflap
    We can't wait to welcome you back for Clockenflap 2025, 5 - 7 December at the Central Harbourfront. Where is the festival located? Hong Kong's Central ...
  44. [44]
    2025 Tickets - Clockenflap
    TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR CLOCKENFLAP 2025 · 3-day General Admission tickets at HK$1,990; · Single-day General Admission tickets (Fri/Sat/Sun) at HK$1,280 · 3-day ...Missing: process | Show results with:process
  45. [45]
    Clockenflap 2024 in Hong Kong - Rove.me
    Dec 16, 2024 · Most of the venue is flat and wheelchair-friendly, though the festival staff advises attendees using powered mobility devices to seek permission ...
  46. [46]
    Terms of Use - Clockenflap
    We are committed to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities and to meeting current accessibility standards. Many Internet users with ...
  47. [47]
    The Flap is back - China Daily HK
    Mar 2, 2023 · It's been a long time coming, but Hong Kong's iconic Clockenflap festival is finally here, with more than 100 acts playing over three days.
  48. [48]
    Clockenflap Coverage: The Hong Kong Live Music Scene
    Nov 24, 2011 · As Hong Kong gears up to welcome the Clockenflap music festival at its new home at the West Kowloon Cultural District, Lynette Chiu takes a look ...
  49. [49]
  50. [50]
    Clockenflap moving to Central Harbourfront, and it's set to be bigger ...
    May 4, 2016 · Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest annual music and arts festival, will move to the Central Harbourfront this November, organisers announced ...
  51. [51]
    Live Nation clocks in a majority stake in Clockenflap Festival
    Apr 6, 2023 · Live Nation, a global entertainment company, has acquired a majority interest in Hong Kong-based event organiser, Clockenflap.
  52. [52]
    Clockenflap rocks Hong Kong | South China Morning Post
    Nov 28, 2016 · Clockenflap music and arts festival has been held in Hong Kong since 2008 and moved from West Kowloon to Central Harbourfront this year.
  53. [53]
    Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival 2023 - Klook Travel
    Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival 2023 · Date: 3 - 5 Mar 2023 · Venue: Central Harbourfront Event Space · Address: 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong ...
  54. [54]
    Clockenflap festival is music fans' big ticket
    Nov 11, 2012 · ... Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival kicked off at Cyberport, with 2,000 music-hungry revellers in attendance. The crowd swelled to 4,000 the ...
  55. [55]
    Clockenflap weekend upon us - The Standard (HK)
    Nov 28, 2023 · Clockenflap drew a record 83,000 festivalgoers during its comeback in March at the Central Harbourfront.Missing: attendance figures
  56. [56]
    Clockenflap in triumphant December return - The Standard (HK)
    Sep 20, 2023 · The longest-running music festival in the city saw tickets sold out for the first time in 15 years in its 12th edition in March, which featured ...
  57. [57]
    Clockenflap 2024 Unites East and West with Jack White, Creepy ...
    Dec 8, 2024 · More than 60,000 fans came together from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 to witness headliners Jack White, Central Cee, and St. Vincent share the bill with ...Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
  58. [58]
    Live Nation acquires Hong Kong's Clockenflap - IQ Magazine
    Mar 22, 2023 · Live Nation has acquired a majority stake in Hong Kong-based promoter Clockenflap and its flagship music and arts festival.Missing: government | Show results with:government
  59. [59]
    Clockenflap 2023 guide: from bands to food and drinks, all you need ...
    Mar 2, 2023 · How to get there ... Taking place at the Central Harbourfront, Clockenflap is easily accessible via public transport, be it bus, ferry or the MTR.Missing: logistics | Show results with:logistics
  60. [60]
    Guide to Clockenflap 2024 in Hong Kong - Lifestyle Asia
    Nov 25, 2024 · There are also arts-related events, family-friendly activities, and plenty of food. Remember outside food is not allowed so give yourself time ...<|separator|>
  61. [61]
    Clockenflap 2024 House Rule Reminder 活動守則提示 ... - Instagram
    Nov 28, 2024 · Clockenflap 2024. House Rule Reminder 活動守則提示. Attendees and their belongings are subject to search upon each entry to the festival. Anyone ...
  62. [62]
    Event Terms & Conditions - Clockenflap
    Attendees under 18 years can attend with the Under 18 Years ticket option. All attendees under 16 years must be accompanied by a guardian who is over 18 years.
  63. [63]
    Clockenflap festival to see plain-clothes Hong Kong police in bid to ...
    Nov 11, 2017 · Police revealed plans to beef up the presence of plain-clothes officers to blend into crowds, maintain public order and scout drug-related crime.
  64. [64]
    Everything's Being Canceled in Hong Kong Because of Protests
    Nov 14, 2019 · “Every year we face different challenges with regard to security and audience safety,” the Clockenflap organizers said on the event's website.
  65. [65]
    A Decade of Clockenflap - Hive Life
    Oct 31, 2018 · In 2008, Clockenflap found its humble beginnings as a quaint event of 1,500 people in Hong Kong's Cyberport.Missing: history 2009
  66. [66]
    Clockenflap 2024
    Oct 7, 2024 · The Birth of Clockenflap​​ Clockenflap first took place in January 2008, founded by Jay Forster, Mike Hill, and Justin Sweeting, three music ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  67. [67]
    Clockenflap 2009 Setlists
    Clockenflap 2009 Setlists ... So far, there are setlists of 12 shows in one venue. 2 attendances by 2 users.Missing: early years attendance
  68. [68]
    HISTORY 2009 - Clockenflap
    HISTORY 2009. CLOCKENFLAP 2009. MUSIC. UPTOWN ROCKERS (HK); SONGS FOR CHILDREN (HK); POUBELLE INTERNATIONAL (HK); BODHI (HK); SNOBLIND (HK); PIMPIN' (HK) ...Missing: date attendance
  69. [69]
    Clockenflap Setlists
    The Clockenflap Multimedia Arts & Music Festival took place 15 times and there are setlists of 329 different artists so far. Incorrect? 1,834 attendances by 197 ...Missing: inception history
  70. [70]
    Clockenflap - South China Morning Post
    Use the slider to choose a year, then click a flag to see names of the acts which came from that country. How Clockenflap grew into an international ...
  71. [71]
    Lamma Forums • View topic - Clockenflap
    Nov 30, 2011 · 18,000 festival goers enjoyed 2011's event, with an expected 25,000 people set to attend Clockenflap 2012. Since its inception, the organizers ...
  72. [72]
  73. [73]
    Everything You Need to Know About Clockenflap 2013
    Nov 21, 2013 · The festival has grown exponentially, now rocking out at the West Kowloon Cultural District and packing much, much more than just bands into the three-day ...Missing: growth 2013-2018<|separator|>
  74. [74]
    Clockenflap's success stands out in a hard town for harmony
    Oct 25, 2015 · What is beyond debate is Clockenflap's runaway success. Last year's event expanded to ten stages and attracted more than 45,000 people. The ...
  75. [75]
    NEXO Partners With Hong Kong's Clockenflap Music And Arts ...
    With over 60,000 music fans attending, the 2015 event was the largest to date. For the first time, Clockenflap invited French loudspeaker manufacturer NEXO ...
  76. [76]
    Clockenflap 2016 lineup: Sigur Ros, Foals and José ... - Time Out
    May 11, 2016 · Clockenflap returns on November 25-27, 2016 for its ninth year at new location, Central Harbourfront. With over 60,000 people in attendance ...
  77. [77]
    Clockenflap: the postcolonial pop festival trying to unite Hong Kong
    Nov 21, 2017 · Clockenflap has played a significant role in regenerating the Hong Kong music scene by creating a “proper festival” that attracts acclaimed ...Missing: history facts
  78. [78]
  79. [79]
    Hong Kong's biggest music festival Clockenflap cancelled after ...
    Nov 15, 2019 · 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 ...
  80. [80]
    Clockenflap Hong Kong Music Festival Is Canceled - Variety
    Nov 15, 2019 · The Clockenflap music festival in Hong Kong has been canceled, becoming the latest casualty of the rising social unrest in the territory.
  81. [81]
    Hong Kong's biggest music festival cancelled over political unrest
    Nov 15, 2019 · Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest music festival, has been cancelled, organisers said on Friday, the highest-profile event so far to fall ...
  82. [82]
    Hong Kong's biggest music festival, Clockenflap, cancelled for ...
    Jul 10, 2020 · Covid-19 crisis makes it impossible to stage Hong Kong's biggest annual music and arts festival this November, Clockenflap organisers say.
  83. [83]
    Asia News: Clockenflap Cancels, Theater Infections In Tokyo & More
    Jul 14, 2020 · This year's version was cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis. No acts had yet been announced for 2020 and no tickets had been sold.
  84. [84]
    Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest music festival, cancelled in 2021
    Sep 29, 2021 · Hong Kong's biggest annual music and arts festival, Clockenflap has been cancelled because of “recently tightened” coronavirus restrictions, organisers say.
  85. [85]
    Hong Kong Clockenflap festival cancelled as gov't Covid rules ...
    Sep 29, 2021 · Hong Kong Clockenflap festival cancelled as gov't Covid rules demand seated audience, food and drink ban. The cancellation comes despite the ...
  86. [86]
    Hong Kong music festival Clockenflap cancels its 2021 edition - NME
    Sep 30, 2021 · Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival has cancelled its 2021 event, the Hong Kong music festival announced yesterday (September 29).Missing: history | Show results with:history
  87. [87]
    Event: Hong Kong's Clockenflap festival returns in March 2023 after ...
    Nov 8, 2022 · Hong Kong's premier music festival, Clockenflap, is to return next March to Central Harbourfront after a three-year hiatus.
  88. [88]
    Hong Kong's Clockenflap confirms dates for March 2023 return - NME
    Nov 9, 2022 · Hong Kong's iconic Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival will return next March at the Central Harbourfront after a four-year hiatus.Missing: recovery | Show results with:recovery
  89. [89]
    Clockenflap's 2023 return raises the bar for side-stage action ...
    Mar 13, 2023 · Clockenflap 2023 had 87,000 attendees, multiple stages, afterparties, and a Wu-Tang Clan performance. The event was the largest mask-free ...Missing: capacity trends
  90. [90]
    Clockenflap unveils second 2023 edition - IQ Magazine
    Sep 19, 2023 · The 30,000-capacity festival returned to Central Harbourfront Event Space between 3–5 March with a line-up including Arctic Monkeys, Balming ...
  91. [91]
    Clockenflap 2023: Yoasobi, IDLES, Caroline Polachek, PULP, Joji ...
    Sep 19, 2023 · Date: December 1 to 3. Venue: Central Harbourfront Event Space, Hong Kong Island. Tickets: HK$1,990 for a three-day weekend ticket, HK$1,280 for ...Missing: dual | Show results with:dual
  92. [92]
    Clockenflap - #hketodubai - #hkmeetsuae - #hkmeetsdubai - #dubai
    Dec 20, 2023 · CLOCKENFLAP DECEMBER 2023 HIGHLIGHTS Clockenflap (December 1 ... crowd of over 80,000 music fans with three days of top international ...
  93. [93]
    Clockenflap Unites East & West with Jack White, Creepy Nuts & More
    Dec 8, 2024 · The festival has confirmed that next year's event will take place from Dec. 5 to 7, 2025 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space in Hong Kong.Missing: attendance figures
  94. [94]
    Clockenflap Festival announces stellar lineup for 2024, featuring ...
    Sep 17, 2024 · The festival's electronic segment is robust, featuring DJ legends like A-Trak and Dave Clarke, alongside innovative new artists like Partiboi69 ...<|separator|>
  95. [95]
    Minimax - Clockenflap
    Clockenflap Unveils Minimax: A theatre Without Walls ... A groundbreaking fusion of theatre, music, and movement transforms liminal spaces into moments of ...
  96. [96]
    Clockenflap Music Festival: Latest News and Updates
    From the economy, exiting Covid-19 and restoring public finances to healing ... Clockenflap festival, which returns in March 2023 after a four-year break.
  97. [97]
    Clockenflap 2025: Vaundy, Dave Clarke, Sparks, Andr join line-up
    Aug 28, 2025 · Clockenflap 2025: Vaundy, Dave Clarke, Sparks, Ellegarden, Jeremy Zucker, L'Impératrice, RSD, Andr join line-up. The newly-announced artists ...
  98. [98]
    Hong Kong's Clockenflap announces first names for 2025 festival ...
    Sep 3, 2025 · Clockenflap 2025 will feature six stages in total, offering up a “broad range of global talent”. NEW ACTS JUST ANNOUNCED FOR #CLOCKENFLAP2025!Missing: installations side<|control11|><|separator|>
  99. [99]
    These Hong Kong Musicians Are Ready to Rock Clockenflap
    Nov 8, 2023 · Clockenflap runs from December 1 to 3, 2023 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. Click here for tickets and the full lineup. Share On ...
  100. [100]
    A Big Audience for Hong Kong Bands: Clockenflap 2018
    Oct 30, 2018 · Although its biggest acts are usually from abroad, Clockenflap is also the place to discover Hong Kong's independent music scene.
  101. [101]
    Clockenflap: Hong Kong's Music & Arts Festival - 247tickets
    In total around 100 top international, regional and local acts will perform across 6 stages, while the festival will also feature a cornucopia of Instagram- ...
  102. [102]
    Hong Kong Hosts Three Major Music Festivals and Coldplay's World ...
    Oct 23, 2024 · Just last year, the festival attracted 80,000 attendees, with 40% being tourists. This year, Clockenflap returns to the Central Harbourfront ...Missing: boost | Show results with:boost
  103. [103]
    Hong Kong urged to tune into 'concert economy' as shows attract 4 ...
    Jan 8, 2025 · More than 4 million spectators attended 350 large-scale pop concerts in Hong Kong and spent HK$3.7 billion over the past two years, tourism officials revealed ...Missing: impact | Show results with:impact
  104. [104]
    HK projects HK$4.3 billion 'mega events' economic boost in 2024
    May 22, 2024 · Hong Kong expects to bring in some HK$4.3 billion to the local economy from “mega events” this year, the city's deputy finance chief has said.Missing: impact | Show results with:impact
  105. [105]
    The Rise of Music Festivals in Asia - BurdaLuxury
    Jun 20, 2024 · Clockenflap, which has seen exponential growth from 2,500 attendees in its inaugural edition to a staggering 30,000 per day, primarily draws its ...
  106. [106]
    [PDF] CultureHK - China Daily HK
    Nov 29, 2024 · Since 2008, Clockenflap has served as a showcase for international marquee names as well as promising local acts. As hong kong's flagship ...<|separator|>
  107. [107]
    8 Hong Kong artists worth the Clockenflap 2023 ticket price alone
    Feb 18, 2023 · Hong Kong's annual Clockenflap festival offers an annual health check on the local scene – and the 2023 line-up reveals our home-grown ...Missing: industry | Show results with:industry
  108. [108]
    Clockenflap Pushes Hong Kong to the Forefront of the Global Music ...
    Dec 8, 2023 · Clockenflap 2023 proved that Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant music cities in the international festival circuit. Check out our review ...
  109. [109]
    Due to the escalation of the crisis this week, and ... - Facebook
    Nov 15, 2019 · While it pains every one of us at Magnetic Asia to cancel Clockenflap 2019, we still believe in bringing people together in positive ways, and ...Missing: history disruptions
  110. [110]
  111. [111]
    Scottish DJ says she was sexually harassed at Hong Kong's ...
    Dec 2, 2024 · ... Clockenflap music festival, accusing security staff of failing to intervene despite complaints. ... well, it is sexual harassment,” Murphy said.
  112. [112]
    Monthly Press Review – 11 (December 2024) - Scream For Life
    Jan 2, 2025 · Review of Hong Kong's Clockenflap. The biggest outdoor music ... harassment against the DJ Sim0ne by rude expat teenagers, a heavy ...
  113. [113]
    Hong Kong Music Festivals Are Beautiful, so Why Won't Anyone Go ...
    Dec 16, 2015 · Not really. We've definitely had to roll with the punches, in terms of working with the authorities. We had to make Clockenflap free one year.Missing: musicians | Show results with:musicians
  114. [114]
    Clockenflap 2024 Unveils Full Lineup With Headliners Central Cee ...
    Oct 25, 2024 · The three-day general admission tickets cost HKD 1,990, while single-day general admission tickets are priced at HKD 1,280. Meanwhile, three-day ...Missing: process | Show results with:process
  115. [115]
    What You Should Know About a Festival Called Clockenflap - VICE
    Nov 22, 2017 · This isn't a small event either – I'm one of a few tens of thousands of people who've swarmed through Hong Kong's chaotic and endlessly bright ...
  116. [116]
    Why are tickets for Hong Kong gigs so expensive? High rent and ...
    Oct 23, 2017 · Why are tickets for Hong Kong gigs so expensive? High rent and lack of venues the problem, music industry says. For the price of seeing a niche ...
  117. [117]
    Clockenflap Festival review 2024: Hong Kong's biggest music ...
    Dec 4, 2024 · Clockenflap Festival review 2024: Hong Kong's biggest music festival returns as eclectic and exciting as ever.Missing: achievements awards
  118. [118]
    Clockenflap Festival: Jack White & More Light Up Festival
    Dec 11, 2024 · Clockenflap confirmed its return for December 5th until 7th, 2025, with Blind Bird tickets already on sale.
  119. [119]
    Supporting Hong Kong's Largest Music & Arts Festival
    Creative Technology was proud to be the official video screen partner for Clockenflap supplying 300 square meters of LED with over 20 million pixels across 10 ...
  120. [120]
    A scenic symphony: Clockenflap is always worth the flight [Gallery]
    Dec 4, 2024 · Clockenflap is Hong Kong's pride and joy. A celebration of music and the arts. A multi-day multi-sensory experience for people of all ages. And ...
  121. [121]
  122. [122]
    Hello Asia! Festival Review: Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival
    Dec 4, 2014 · The staging and set out were excellent and the sound was, for the most part, impressive, with the bands delivering stellar performances ...Missing: critical achievements
  123. [123]
    CLOCKENFLAP - Updated October 2025 - 27 Photos - Yelp
    Rating 4.3 (3) It really depends on how you view it. Tickets are pricey compared to other large scale festivals in Hong Kong, and gosh you need to buy your own drinks and ...
  124. [124]
    What happened at Clockenflap? : r/HongKong - Reddit
    Nov 30, 2024 · As per their Instagram, Clockenflap officials are reminding concert goers of their zero tolerance for abuse of artists and ticket holders.Papa Frank dropping out of clockenflap : r/HongKong - RedditHong Kong music is boring, or should I say the fans are conservative ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  125. [125]
    Meeting in music - China Daily HK
    Nov 28, 2024 · Since 2008, Clockenflap has served as a showcase for international marquee names as well as promising local acts.
  126. [126]
    Missed Clockenflap? 7 Asian music festivals to book instead
    Mar 1, 2023 · Missed Clockenflap? 7 Asian music festivals to book instead ... attendance, as well as fresher sounds from Dhruv, Rini and The Kid ...