Slump-busting Asian mega-concert will rock indoors in bid to beat humidity
Nickkita Lau
Monday, March 02, 2009
The mega music festival in August will be a one- of-a-kind, star-studded bash, comprising food, top Asian singers and exhibitions.
The event's organizer, concert promoter Florence Chan Suk-fan, told The Standard she has studied many foreign examples but the failed 2003 Harbour Fest is "definitely not the one to be considered." Unlike regular concerts, day passes will be sold to those who can switch between concerts, exhibitions or refreshment facilities located in separate areas inside the same venue anytime during the day. She said the price has not been fixed yet, but it will be reasonable and no more than a few hundred dollars.
As it is collaborating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to attract young tourists from East Asian markets, performers will be Asian A-listers.
Most will be local and Taiwanese singers and groups. Talks with some Japanese and Korean names are continuing, but the list is not confirmed yet. Chan said if the event is successful, more American and European stars will be invited next year. A study of overseas music festivals showed events where independent performers take turns to sing one to two songs are not suitable for Hong Kong. "Many East Asian tourists may have never been to a music festival before. You need to lure them with names they are familiar with. Each singer will be given about 45 minutes to one hour to sing on stage," Chan said. They have also decided to move the event indoors to avoid the heat and humidity, which virtually rules out the possibility of a beach setting. Many details are still pending for confirmation, including the location and sales details. The tourism board will be responsible for distributing tickets overseas.
