Leisure and Pleasure: Events in Hong Kong this January
Hong Kong is kicking off 2018 in a big way with flying acrobatic acts, purr-forming Cats and more! Here are some of the exciting events are hitting our fair city this January.
The Great European Carnival
Central’s waterfront comes to life once again for the AIA Great European Carnival, bringing with it a number of rides, games and food. This year, the main event is the magical Big Top Circus, a show of death-defying feats performed by acrobats, riders and artists from Kenya to Colombia. Highlights of The Great Circus of Europe include a human pyramid on high wire, heart-pounding motorcycle rides inside a steel-mesh globe and performances on a revolving “space wheel”. Circus tickets are sold separately and range from HK$150-$400.
Till 25 February
Central Harbourfront Event Space
HK$40-$130
www.tgec.asia
Cats – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece based on a T. S. Eliot book – tells the story of “Jellicle cats” who come out to play in a larger-than-life junkyard on the eve of the Jellicle Ball. The soundtrack is best known for the moving tune Memory, belted out by Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat who has become despondent in her old age. Get in touch with your feline side as you jump into a purring world of song and dance.
Till 11 February
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
HK$445-$1,045
www.catsthemusical.com
Volvo Ocean Race and Festival
For the first time ever, Hong Kong will host the Volvo Ocean Race and Festival for 15 days at the former Kai Tak runway. This eight-month-long, round-the-world sailing race arrives in Hong Kong on 20 January, with the Sun Hung Kai/ Scallywag team representing the city. On the 27th, the Victoria Harbour In- Port Race will see boats compete for points. While the festival itself is free, VIP tickets (HK$2,900) can get you seats on a spectator boat and access to the festival’s lounge.
17-31 January
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park
www.volvooceanracehk.com
Kidsfest
Now in its seventh year, KidsFest presents world-class theatre for young people, with favourites including The Gruffalo Live on Stage (now sold-out), Monstersaurus and What the Ladybird Heard. “KidsFest is an exciting festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life,” says executive producer Matthew Gregory. “At the same time, it nurtures children’s interest in literature and language.” The event has grown to embrace nine productions over a five-week calendar.
Till 11 February
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
HK$195-$435
www.kidsfest.com.hk
The Foxy Pub Quiz
Playful Quarry Bay hangout Mr & Mrs Fox is back with another quiz night to get you and your friends together in the name of fun and games. Teams of four and above are invited to participate in a just-for-kicks trivia challenge on the 30th of January (Tuesday) from 7 to 9pm. Winners get a trophy, a HK$1,000 bar tab, Valentine’s dinner for two and other prizes to be announced later on their Facebook page. (We’re eyeing those 12 bottles of wine…)
The ‘Mr & Mrs Fox Love Card’ Valentine’s Day menu upstairs is a four-course affair featuring dishes like Foie Gras Macaroons; Confit of Parsnip and Dashi Emulsion; Black Sea Bass with Clams; and grilled Beef Tenderloin with Manchego Cheese and Bone Marrow Sauce. Decadent desserts of Caramel Mousse with Candied Nuts and Brown Butter Crisps seal the deal. The dinner menu is priced at HK$1,100 for two.
30 January
23 Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay
2697 8500
dine@mrmrsfox.com
