Clockenflap

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 food in the venue, and they ain’t cheap either.
And yet, if you are comparing to music concerts in general, yet the price is in a reasonable ballpark. If you are lucky enough to have all your favourite artists /​groups all schedule to perform on the same day/​night, you are in for a treat. And yes, Clockenflap is getting better and better inviting heavyweight performers. For instance, we were there on Friday, watching The Anello, Clean Bandit, Damien Rice, and Love Psychedelico back to back.
The other side stages, like Silent Disco and Cinema Silenzio, are pretty much optional, acting much like placeholders to fill the void in the vast space of West Kowloon Cultural District, but there are still fans into those.
Last note, the payment method is probably the best among all festivals. wrist bracelet with chip attached, never have to concern about losing your silly tokens or top-​up card. You can also refund the residual amount online, to a local or international bank account. Can’t top that.

Closer to a 3.5 experience but I’m feeling generous this evening.
What exactly IS a Clockenflap anyway? Other than being extremely fun to say, I don’t think anyone really knows… not even the founders. That’s part of the whimsical charm, eh?
This festival was definitely one of the best-​organized that I’ve attended… and I’ve gone to many, many music festivals. I caught the festival bug when I was 15 (yep, my first Lollapalooza way back when it was still a traveling festival) and since then, I’ve attended them in different cities, states, and even countries. Show me an excellent line-​up of artists and I’m there!
Only the Clockenflap line-​up is the festival’s Achilles heel. Look, I’m completely down with supporting unknown, emerging artists but at the prices Clockenflap is charging? Almost $ 100 USD for a one-​day ticket felt a bit like robbery. Pitchfork Festival certainly didn’t charge those kinds of prices when they were first starting out. In fact, they still don’t! At Pitchfork you’ll get a 3-​day pass for a fair $ 180 USD and the sweet and smug satisfaction that you’re definitely seeing several bands that are on their way up, up, up.
The not-​so-​stellar line-​up, however, also means this festival isn’t crazy crowded… how nice! You’ll have plenty of room to occupy space without getting violated by a stranger’s elbow or worse, assaulted by their beer. And the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade is gorgeous, by day or night. Simply walking around with your friends while sipping on a cider and taking in insane waterfront views of Hong Kong while catching bits of live music — made for one of my best Saturdays here yet.
Clockenflap organizers did a super job of curating some stellar food choices… there was also plenty to choose from for my vegetarian friend which was a nice bonus. And the official festival merchandise is the bee’s knees! But also super pricey. I eventually gave in and purchased a beanie I had my eye on, but it set me back $ 30 USD. For a beanie. Maybe the coolest beanie ever, but still: ouch!
Probably the most impressive organizational aspect of the fest is that it’s completely cash-​free. Upon arrival, simply load your wristband with cash and voila! You’re free to move around the plane. If you’re left with a balance, you’re able to easily transfer the funds for free to your local bank account. Sorry, international visitors, but you’ll have to pay a small fee for the service. Still, this is a concept all major festivals should embrace!
So yeah… I’d do it again.

Clockenflap is finally here!
Amazing acts, great setting with the contrast of Kowloon on one side and Hong Kong island on the other — both lit up with crazy building lighting.
Can’t wait for 2 more days of this magic…
The line up gets better on day 2 and 3.
Tons of Beer, wine and a huge selection of tasty food stalls — restaurant quality food at a festival — Only in Hong Kong of course!