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SCMP Reporter

The event will put the city on the world party map

GET READY TO PARTY next weekend at a fun, festival-style outdoor extravaganza that involves music, food, beer, markets and chilling out on the lawn.

Rockit Music Festival 2003 is Hong Kong's first-ever two-day entertainment experience that has the hype, prestige and excitement to match Australia's Big Day Out, England's Glastonbury Festival and Japan's Fuji Rock Festival.

On October 25 and 26, crowds of more than 20,000 are expected to flock to Victoria Park to soak up the carnival atmosphere and get the best value that any $120 ticket has ever offered.

Rockit's headlining international acts include the Brit-pop sensation Supergrass, Australian alt-rockers Regurgitator, Japanese heavy-metal heads Electric Eel Shock and the Latin-Grammy-nominated kings of salsa, Spanish Harlem Orchestra.

Thrown into this mix are a good rotation of superb DJs, including a drum'n'bass explosion courtesy of Britain's DJ Suv and Brazilian beatmasters DJ Marky and XRS.

Local acts will also get a good showing, ranging from the ever-popular Uncle Joe, angst-rockers Audio Traffic, and Robot Live, who combine performance art with electronic music. And for family fun, there will be plenty of clowns, jugglers, dancers and stilt walkers roaming the grounds.

'This is the first time that Hong Kong will have a concert experience with a huge, diverse line-up that is not indoors, seated or wrapped up in a few hours,' says Didier Li, managing partner of the Matrix Entertainment Group, the organiser of Rockit.

And it is the first time that a music event will be combined with other fun elements, from food to drink, market stalls and  just relaxing on the grass.

'With more than 15 acts performing each day on either the main stage or in the marquee area, Rockit aims to appeal to all ages and  music lovers.

'We wanted to provide value for money for Hong Kong people who have never had the chance to experience such an event in their home city,' says Ms Li. 'It will be the first weekend activity that you can go to by yourself, with friends or the family. And it will be the first time you can experience a party atmosphere with the neon-lit Causeway Bay skyline as the backdrop.'

Rockit will run from 11am to 11pm on each day.

Ms Li's partner, Nimal Jayawardena, says a diligent effort was made to secure an alcohol and food licence or the entire lawn area.

Mr Jayawardena, who is also chairman of the SoHo Association, says Rockit is one big party just waiting to happen.

'We recognised the appeal of outdoor events such as the SoHo Carnival,' he says, 'and we combined it with how Hong Kong needs to have a famous festival like Big Day Out and Fuji Rock that puts the city on the world party map.'

Even the most seasoned music festival-goer should not bother preparing a snack pack - there will be hamburgers, hot dogs, pies, pizza, popcorn, noodles and cotton candy on offer.

For those with more  fussy palates, there will also be yakitori, Thai dishes and fresh fruit available. Rockit is proudly sponsored by the Japanese brew Asahi, which means plenty of beer on tap, sold by the cup or jug.

But for anyone aged  over 18, remember to bring valid identification along to avoid drinking soda all day long.

'We want to show that you don't need to be an exclusive club member or spend a lot of money to have access to something truly special,' says Ms Li, adding the organisers hope to make Rockit an annual event. 'We also want Hong Kong to have something that promotes it as the entertainment capital of Asia, just like it deserves to be.'

Tickets for Rockit are $120 for each day, and are available from all HMV stores.

They will also be sold at this weekend's SoHo Street Carnival, and at the Rockit venue on each day, at the main entrance gate near the water fountain/Gloucester Road  entrance to Victoria Park.

For more information, go to  www.rockit-hk.com

TOP 10 TIPS FOR ROCKIT ROCKERS

1. Arrive early to beat the queues

2. Bring friends and cameras

3. Bring some cash to purchase food and drink coupons

4. Don't bring your own food or drink

5. Drink plenty of fluids on the day

6. Leave your valuables at home

7. If you're feeling unwell, inform security or go to the First Aid area

8. Scream loud to support all Rockit musicians

9. Don't yell at Rockit staff

10. Dress comfortably



Rock on, Hong Kong