Hypefest draws crowds and vendors in Hong Kong debut despite typhoon threat

Merrymaking crowds and vendors gathered for the cultural festival Hypefest undeterred by the escalating typhoon, with many descending upon the outdoors event early on Saturday for a line-up of local and international performances.

The two-day festival on Saturday and Sunday made its Hong Kong debut at Central Harbourfront, supported with HK$15 million (US$1.93 million) in funding from the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. Organisers are expecting an attendance of 30,000.

“By showcasing the rich interplay of culture, Hypefest strategically positions Hong Kong on the global cultural map, fostering meaningful dialogue and cross-cultural exchange,” Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, chairman of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee, said at the opening ceremony.

Internationally acclaimed DJ Peggy Gou and Grammy-winning French electronic music duo Justice are headlining the festival, joined by Korean pop band ADOY, “Queen of Japanese hip hop” Awich, and American rapper Rich The Kid.

The festival would also offer limited-time branded pop-ups with exclusive product showcases, art installations and a food village, alongside interactive carnival game booths in which attendees stood to win exclusive branded merchandise, organisers said.