Simple Gifts of Joy 2024

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the heart of Hong Kong, where the season’s spirit comes alive, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and Tai Kwun invite you to step into a magical Christmas tale, where HKJC X Tai Kwun – Simple Gifts of Joy 2024 will beckon from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025. This annual tradition brings to life three core accents of the season: joy, giving, and togetherness, promising an unforgettable festive experience for all. 

A towering 12-metre Christmas tree will glow with wonder amidst a Wonderland-themed playground, creating a magical setting for all ages. The festive spirit will come alive with The Gift of Music Opening Concert, while laughter will fill the air in the second half of the month with the whimsical Tai Kwun Circus Plays.

A Festive Wonderland Awaits at Tai Kwun

Arriving this December, Tai Kwun will once again unveil its iconic 12-metre Christmas tree, a breathtaking symbol of the holiday season at the Parade Ground since its opening year. Standing tall and radiant, the towering tree casts a warm glow, lighting up the historic grounds of Tai Kwun. It has become a beloved, dazzling beacon that draws visitors year after year. Surrounding the centrepiece, visitors can find a vibrant, Christmas-themed playground, a winter wonderland where joy and imagination intertwine. Children and families can explore this enchanting space, where every corner holds a new discovery, and every moment feels like stepping into a holiday dream. 

Adding to the magic, twinkling pin lights will grace the façades of the historic buildings around Parade Ground, the Footbridge, and the Pottinger Ramp, casting a soft glow to enhance the jubilant atmosphere and fill the air with the anticipation of Christmas. Every step through this festooned landscape is a reminder of the joy and warmth this season brings.

The Gift of Music: A Heartwarming Start to the Season

On the evening of 1 December, the magic truly begins as Tai Kwun unveils the annual highlight — HKJC x Tai Kwun – Simple Gifts of Joy. A special opening concert will mark the festivities, The Gift of Music, set to bring a joyful spirit to every corner of the site. As the sun sets, the Hong Kong Children’s Choir, Hong Kong’s most established and long-standing children’s choir, will take to the stage, their angelic voices filling the crisp evening air with melodies that evoke wonder and generosity.

Under the baton of Music Director and Principal Conductor Kathy Fok, the talented young singers will deliver a heartwarming performance of beloved Christmas classics. From cherished carols to contemporary holiday tunes, each note will celebrate the joy of giving and the magic of the holidays. This beautiful performance will be accompanied by the grand lighting ceremony of the towering Christmas tree as its lights flicker to life. The public is warmly invited to join in this unforgettable celebration on 1 December, where music, light, and yuletide joy will come together to create cherished memories. Guests can also enjoy complimentary mulled wine and hot chocolate, ensuring both spirits and bellies are warmed on this magical evening. Whether standing beneath the shimmering tree or swaying to the music of the choir, every moment promises to fill hearts with the simple gifts of joy.

Tai Kwun Circus Plays: A Whirl of Fun and Wonder

Established in 2018 as one of the first contemporary circus festivals in Hong Kong, this exciting annual programme promises to bring the magic of contemporary circus arts to life with 12 captivating programmes from 14 December onwards. Featuring a diverse lineup of international, Asian, and local artists, the festival showcases from jaw-dropping acrobatics to heartwarming clown acts; each show is designed to combine artistic components and add theatrical dramaturgy, which will delight visitors of all ages. Every corner of Tai Kwun, from Parade Ground, Prison Yard to Laundry Steps and JC Cube, will buzz with energy as performers bring joy, laughter, and amazement to the holiday celebrations. 

World-Class Wonders at Tai Kwun

The headlining acts for Tai Kwun Circus Plays are nothing short of spectacular. Playbook by Gravity and Other Myths (Australia) and Exit by Circumstances (Belgium) will showcase the pinnacle of contemporary circus performances. In Playbook, acrobatic art celebrates physical mastery as performers explore gravity and balance through their bodies. Their movements are flexible and dynamic, often pushing the boundaries of predictability. Meanwhile, Exit brings together four performers who are experts in bascule, belts, trapeze, and acro-dance. A single door transforms into an acrobatic and dance spectacle, with movement, partnering acrobatics, and teeter boards creating an immersive experience. The door becomes an object to climb and collide with as the performers balance and propel each other, flirting with risk.

In addition to the headlining shows, Tai Kwun Circus Plays will feature Mellow Yellow, a cross-disciplinary show blending fashion, music, and acrobatics. Ensuring a full on spectacle, other international acts Or, là…, a non-speaking performance blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion, while Pappagalli brings a gigantic parrot puppet parade to the Parade Ground, offering awe-inspiring experiences.

Celebrating the Rise of Contemporary Circus in Asia

A signature highlight of Tai Kwun Circus Plays, Ting koo-ki Mad Skills Battle, returns with an exhilarating one-on-one circus challenge that has become a staple in the global circus scene. This annual event, originating from Taiwan, brings together juggling experts and circus masters from all over the world to compete and showcase their talents. Before the final showdown, performers will display their unique skills in the Ting koo-ki Mad Skills Gala, with the audience voting live to determine who advances in the ultimate battle. While fierce competition reigns, the true spirit of the event is about community, skill-sharing, and the joy of collaboration.

This year, Tai Kwun will launch a new platform Asian Circus Focus to showcase the significant growth of contemporary circus performances around Asia. It brings together top circus artists from Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong to perform and exchange skills that are the first ever in Hong Kong. Landscape Juggling by a  Japanese artist blends improvisational juggling with the environment, while Korea’s Circus D.Lab presents The Happening Show – My Dream and Circus Games, mixing clowning, theatre, and sports competition. Hong Kong’s cyr wheel artist teams up with Cantonese opera artist for the debut of Once Upon A Time, a unique blend of Nanyin and circus. Families can also join Circus D.Lab’s Family Juggling Workshop on 21 Dec to learn basic juggling skills together.

Rising Stars: The Future of Circus Begins Here

As a dedicated advocate for local artistic development, Tai Kwun remains committed to nurturing talents through Circus Bootcamp 2.0 and the New Boom in Circus initiative. These programmes provide a dynamic platform for aspiring students, street performers, and emerging stars in the contemporary circus world. In this space, artists are given the freedom to grow, explore, and push boundaries, honing their craft and embracing the limitless possibilities of circus arts and performance.