Non-stop entertainment and more for all at The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Festival
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While Hong Kong is set to captivate the world’s attention as the global hub of rugby sevens on the April 5 to 7 weekend, Hong Kong’s iconic Central Harbourfront will be transformed into a universe of sevens festivity.
On the waterfront of Hong Kong’s CBD, the festive vibe of The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Festival is fast spreading. Whether you have tickets to the tournament’s games or not, it’s free admission for all to soak up the celebratory mood at the Sevens Central on Central Harbourfront on Saturday April 6th and Sunday April 7th.
To keep everyone’s adrenalin pumping, a live broadcast of all the games of the sevens tournament will be shown on big screen. All festival-goers will be welcome to relax or play games on the rugby pitch while enjoying live music with the iconic Victoria Harbour as the picturesque backdrop. Entertaining everyone will be roving performers and tribute acts, including Pink, Oasis, The Rolling Stones, Queen and more. Other original music acts for local and international audiences include: Cantonese female solo singer-songwriter Circle, who is hugely popular for her independent spirit; and local rock band Seasons For Change, who will rock all festival goers with their alternative rock, pop-punk and power-pop songs in both English and Japanese. Adding to this incredible line-up will be DJ Nipper, who enthralls fans with old-school and rave hits. He has been voted one of the world’s finest deejays recently. Opening hours of Sevens Central are from 12pm to 8pm.
Headlining the activities as part of this year’s Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Festival is none other than three-time GRAMMY Award winner and global trendsetter Gwen Stefani. She will give a one-off electrifying concert at Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront event space on Friday, April 5th, as presented by Marriott Bonvoy. This will be the first time in a decade that multi-platinum solo artist Stefani has performed in the city. A global pop music sensation, Stefani has been wildly loved by fans around the world for being a trailblazing performer, songwriter, recording artist and style icon who has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide with “No Doubt” and a string of other hits. Tickets at HK$780 via Ticketflap. Gates open 5pm.
Subhead: Fanwalk at Lee Gardens – April 5th to 7th
The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Festival 2019 will again wow fun-loving parents and kids with a “Fanwalk” at Lee Gardens incorporating special games, competitions, world-class street performances and other engaging activities that guarantees infinite joy and pleasure for the entire family.
Athletic little warriors, brace yourselves for the challenges in the state-of-the-art “Ninja Course” by Ninja Coalition, a popular attraction last year. For kids aged 6 years and above, this ultra demanding course requires almost as much agility and skill as those mastered by the rugby athletes on the field at the Hong Kong Stadium. Junior Ninjas who sign up will be put through the paces and race against the clock to overcome a number of obstacles across two difficulty levels. These include such challenges as “Five Steps”, “Sea of Balls”, “Hanging Bridge”, “Log Grip”, “Warped Wall” and “Tilted Ladder”. Little Ninjas will receive great tips from the grand masters as professional Ninjas, including Olympic silver medalist Jonathan Horton and Hollywood stunt woman Tiana Webberley, will be on hand to showcase their remarkable talent and offer guidance for the perfect moves.
An impressive line-up of world-class international and local acts and performers will further enliven the youthful energy and festive vibe throughout the day. While live music jazzes up the rugby sevens festival, look out for celebrity look-alikes bringing joy and laughter to festival goers across all ages. The ‘celebrities’ making their Fanwalk appearances will include: Mr Bean; John Travolta as well as Wai Bai the beloved Sevens Mascot. Don’t be surprised if your kids cannot contain their excitement at the festival over the colourful mix of stilt walkers, Hong Kong Caricatures, live action dinosaurs, jugglers, acrobatics, living statues and more. Meanwhile face painting artists will give out flags to fans to demonstrate support for their favourite teams and provide signature face painting designs for kids to choose from.
At the Hysan Forecourt, awaiting the intrepid would-be rugby stars are game booths as part of the HSBC and Cathay Pacific rugby activations. Chances are that the lucky ones will also take home great prizes.
The equally enthralling roving performances include the literally blinding “Mirror Family”, whose futuristic characters never fail to mesmerise festival goers. With hundreds of shards of mirrors covering every available space in their entire bodies, the Mirror Family members simply bounce and reflect the light of the world back upon everyone around them. The festival will also welcome the “Acro Champs”, three moustached strapping young fellows who entertain, dazzle and amaze spectators young and old with their acrobatic moves and maneuvers that perfectly showcase exceptional precision and strength.
Meanwhile the live broadcast of all games of The Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens tournament on giant screens will ensure to captivate all rugby enthusiasts.
Admission to Lee Gardens’ Fanwalk is free. Hours: 11am to 7pm