THE WARNING BELLS should have rung when I heard a weekend of rock music would entail camping out as well. I have never camped in Hong Kong and now I know why. But with memories of fantastic British rock festivals three years ago still fresh in my mind, I jump at the chance of putting the rat race on hold for a couple of days to enjoy country life and kicking sounds.
But Commercial Radio's Channel 903 event near Fanling last weekend shatters this city girl's pastoral dreams. Don't get me wrong, the bands are great but the countryside stinks. By the end of the event I have been attacked by giant ants, overcome by the smell of horse manure and abandoned by my friends. I feel more like a contestant in Survivor than a rock fan enjoying a relaxing weekend.
On the face of it, 903 Rock Forest, the first two-day camping rock festival in Hong Kong, is the kind of event band-lovers like me have been dreaming of. It is the brainchild of Inti Kwong Yuet-hang, host of Inti Band, the only radio programme that focuses on local bands. The programme's producers have arr-anged several successful shows, from small live sessions to one-day events over the past five years.
Kwong has always wanted to stage a festival similar to Fuji Rock in Japan or the long-running British event, Glastonbury, though she has never been to either. 'Why can these festivals take place in Western countries but not in Hong Kong?' she says. 'We have many bands here and many young people appreciate their music. This Rock Forest is going to be a big step forward for the local band scene.' Kwong understands that resources are limited and it is difficult to attract international acts to Hong Kong.
My fellow live music devotees from university days think Rock Forest is an excuse for a reunion. They are also drawn by the line-up of more than 30 acts from indie bands such as King Ly Chee, Charisma and Elf Fatima to established rock icons LMF, Paul Wong Koon-chung, Yip Sai-wing, Jan Lamb, Candy Lo Hau-yam and Anthony Wong Chau-san. The music will play non-stop from 4pm on Saturday until 8pm on Sunday. The 200 tickets, each allowing four people on to the site, are not sold to the public, but given away on air or won in lucky draws.
For someone like me, more used to wandering around Hong Kong shopping malls in make-up and high heels, tramping around a field in jeans and trainers is unfamiliar territory. Luckily, my friends are experienced campers and they take care of all the equipment such as the tent and cooking utensils. If we are to survive the ordeal, we must also bring enough food and water because none will be sold at the camp site.