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    Clockenflap's Justin Sweeting on the best Hong Kong concert venues
    Clockenflap co-founder Justin Sweeting reveals his favourite Hong Kong concert venues, including a ramshackle Wan Chai pub and an indie music church
    Summer Blossom Festival. Credit: Credit: TTN/Kolor_Summer Blossom Festival
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    Concert venues play a critical role in the cultural ecosystem of a city. To my mind they add colour and vibrancy, ultimately making a place more liveable, while the best venues can turn a good show into a transformative experience. I’ve always felt this is especially true of characterful small-to-medium-sized venues, which can turn mere spaces into places where people feel at home to come together, make friends, form bands, fall in love, let loose and enjoy some collective inspiration as one. 

    Hong Kong is sometimes criticised for having a lack of venue infrastructure, but there are currently more active event sites in operation than ever. Hong Kong concert venues are often cavernous spots like the AsiaWorld-Expo, where superstars turn up to play to thousands, here are just a few of my personal favourite small-to-medium-sized venues which cater to a diversity of acts and crowds.

    This Town Needs (TTN)

    When Yau Tong-based livehouse Hidden Agenda closed in 2017, indie music fans were left bereft. Luckily, the venue wasn’t gone for good – revamping and rebranding for a February 2018 reopening. As its name suggests, This Town Needs  is exactly what local music fans had been yearning for. TTN oozes indie authenticity with an aura that is instantly welcoming. It’s the ideal spot to catch up-and-coming live talent – this month will see debuts from Puerto Rican psychedelic soul band The Marias (14 November) and lo- fi minimalist guitar pop duo SALES (29 November).

    1/F, Ocean One, 6 Shung Shun Street, Yau Tong

    Rock on Japan - Macpherson Stadium, MK

    Macpherson Stadium

    Right in the heart of Mong Kok, Macpherson Stadium  is the premier venue for 1,600-capacity live shows, with standing and seating room. The Hong Kong concert venue crucially allows fans to buy drinks from the bar and take them into the show (a step missed by many other venues). Strong line-ups have led to many memorable nights, from Tame Impala and Morrissey to Bon Iver and Death Cab For Cutie.

    38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok; +852 3188 4137

    Teenage fanclub - The Vine

    The Vine

    A renovated former cinema in Wan Chai, The Vine  operates day to day as a modern English-speaking church but moonlights as a mid-sized venue for Hong Kong concerts. On these occasions the soul of the room shines through, with supremely wonderful sound and sight lines throughout, making it a firm fan favourite whenever it’s used.

    29 Burrows Street, Wan Chai; +852 3527 6000

    Eaton HK live music. Credit: Stephanie Teng

    Credit: Stephanie Teng

    Eaton HK

    With a couple of live music spaces that marry comfortable surrounds with progressive programming, the Eaton HK hotel is quickly establishing itself in the live music scene. The emphasis on supporting the creative class in Hong Kong makes it a great place to catch an eclectic array of edgy artists performing to a forward-thinking crowd.

    380 Nathan Road, Jordan; +2782 1818

    Music fan and impresario Benky Chan. Credit: Vic Shing @ MusicSurveillance

    Credit: Vic Shing @ MusicSurveillance

    Visage One

    Music fan and impresario Benky Chan transforms Central hair salon Visage One  into a candlelit jazz speakeasy on Saturday nights. Stripped down to a deliciously pure core of live music appreciation, Hong Kong concert-goers can take advantage of the BYO drink policy and enjoy the city’s ultimate intimate gig experience.

    93 Hollywood Road, Central; +852 2523 8988

    Gig at The Wanch, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Credit: Oliver Spiesshofer/hongkong-rocks

    Credit: Oliver Spiesshofer

    The Wanch

    An institution in Wan Chai for more than 30 years, The Wanch  regularly hosts free live music nights. It’s a source of enduring comfort to know there’s always a friendly, unpretentious place in town for like-minded folks to gather and support grassroots talent.

    54 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai; +852 2861 1621

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    Hong Kong travel information

    Country / Region
    Hong Kong SAR
    Language
    Cantonese, English
    Airport code
    HKG
    Currency
    HKD
    Time zone
    GMT +08:00
    Climate
    Subtropical
    Country / Region
    Hong Kong SAR
    Time zone
    GMT +08:00
    Currency
    HKD
    Airport code
    HKG
    Language
    Cantonese, English
    Climate
    Subtropical
    Find the best fares to
    Hong Kong SAR