From 7 to 15 December, a new event celebrates all that is distinctly Hong Kong – from its cityscape and its culture, to its arts and its food.
A celebration of all that is distinctly Hong Kong – from its cityscape and its culture, to its arts and its food – is taking place this month in the form of a new festival.
Held from 7 to 15 December, Very Hong Kong is a community-based and funded non-profit programme that will re-imagine forgotten or under-utilised city spaces. For example, on 8 December, the unlikely setting for the Very Involved fun day is a space under a highway overpass in a commercial area of Kwun Tong. Transformed into a family-friendly setting, the event will get visitors involved in various classes, such as floral jamming (getting creative with flowers), robot building, craft beer sampling and getting hands-on at a local food workshop.
The harbourside has long been under-utilised as an event space, and temporarily changing that is the Very Big Screen on the Green (7 to 13 December). This outdoor cinema, located by the iconic Victoria Harbour in the Central district, will screen a short film each night followed by a full length local classic movie, such as the 1967 musical romance Hong Kong Nocturne (7 December).
Also sure to be popular is the Very Street carnival (14 December) in the Wanchai district. Two normally quiet streets will become a bustling community hub, featuring performances by Hong Kong indie bands, outdoor fashion shows by local emerging designers, as well as Sun Street Markets, a one day pop-up bazaar of sustainable and organic food, drink and lifestyle products from Hong Kong artisans.
These are just some of the Very happenings, for others, including a Very Christmas concert and a Very Big Picnic, visit the website.
Vicki Williams is the Hong Kong Localite for BBC Travel. She also writes sybariteunlimited.com.