What to see and do in Hong Kong this July
The Simon and Garfunkel Story
The Simon and Garfunkel Story is a musical about how two young boys from Queens, New York, became one of the world’s most successful music duos.
The story starts when Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel formed a rock ‘n’ roll duo in the ‘50s called Tom and Jerry. The musical takes audiences through all their classic songs and reenacts the juicier details of their lives, including the group’s dramatic split and their individual solo careers. It ends with a stunning recreation of their legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert.
Through the use of a projector, the production displays photos and film footage from the 1960s, accompanied by a band performing all of Simon and Garfunkel’s hits.
Venue: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre
Date: 29 July – 1 August
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.hkticketing.com.hk/events/WCSIMON0717
Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest
Lan Kwai Fong and beer seem to go hand-in-hand, which is why it’s no surprise that the party hub is hosting the LKF Beer and Music Fest.
The event will showcase different beer brands from around the world, and more than 70 booths will offer delicious foods, beverages and interactive games. There will also be stages featuring various musical performances.
Venue: Lan Kwai Fong
Date: 15-16 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.eventbrite.hk
Hong Kong Book Fair
Hong Kong is truly abuzz with bookworms if the 2016 edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair is anything to go by. The event last year attracted more than a million visitors over the fair’s seven days.
This year, the 28th edition of the fair invites booksellers and publishers to promote reading and features a number of cultural events.
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Date: 19-25 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: http://hkbookfair.hktdc.com
Yoga for Dog Lovers
Love yoga? Love dogs? Then you’d better head on over to Pure Yoga for their dog-friendly – if the canines are kept on a leash – outdoor class. Instructor Angela Lohse will lead the class, which is being held to support Hong Kong Dog Rescue.
Venue: West Kowloon Cultural District
Date: 8 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.facebook.com/pg/PureYogaOfficial
Pizzazz!
The China National Acrobatic Troupe, the country’s only national-level group of its kind, will woo crowds in Hong Kong with their daring displays and high-flying moves. The skilled troupe will incorporate dance, music, theatrics and wushu (kung fu) into their show to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Founded 60 years ago, the troupe is renowned for merging contemporary with traditional arts. The show is the opening programme for this year’s International Arts Carnival.
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Date: 6-9 July
Enquiries: 3761 6661
Website: www.hkiac.gov.hk/2017/en/opening.html
W Hotel pool party
The W Hotel is hosting its summer series of pool parties. The glamourous event will be held at the highest outdoor pool in Hong Kong at the W Hotel, with the after party taking place at the hotel’s Woobar.
Venue: W Hong Kong, Austin Road West, Kowloon
Date: 15 July
Enquiries: 3717 2783
Website: www.ticketflap.com/wpool-2017
Painting with Sound
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will close its 2016/17 season with two world-class harp virtuosos by Isabelle Moretti and Xavier de Maistre.
The skilled musicians will perform music by Debussy and Ravel as well as an enchanting harp and orchestra arrangement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 19. The event will also include free pre-concert talks by music lecturers from Hong Kong and Dublin.
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
Date: 7-8 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.hkphil.org
Hong Kong Masters 2017
The Hong Kong Masters will feature nine of the world’s best snooker players together with local favourite Marco Fu in the Main Tournament, and On-Yee Ng in the Exhibition Games. The tournament is also part of celebratory events to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Well-known names like world champion Mark Selby, John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and more will be in Hong Kong for the eagerly anticipated competition.
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Stadium
Date: 20-23 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: N/A
Dunkirk
Based on the true story of the Battle of Dunkirk in France during World War II between the Allies and Nazis, the latest movie by Christopher Nolan is expected to be a huge summer hit. Dunkirk details the pivotal moment in 1940 when retreating allies were surrounded by the advancing German armies and managed to evacuate from the beach using naval and civilian ships. Most of the film’s pre-release hype has centred around the fact that it’s singer Harry Styles’ first foray into the movie world. But with a stellar cast including Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy and Kenneth Branagh, there is clearly more to Dunkirk than a former boy band member.
Venue: Cinemas HK-wide
Date: 21 July
Enquiries: N/A
Website: www.dunkirkmovie.com
Text: Andrew Scott