Music in the park

Some of Hong Kong’s best-loved musicians are joining up with talented chefs every weekend this month as the Drink’N Music Festival returns to Ocean Park for its second edition. Running every Saturday and Sunday through April 2, the event offers fun lovers the chance to dine on a wide variety of quality beers and gourmet food while listening to contemporary sounds. 
“Last year, we celebrated the park’s 40th anniversary by launching a brand new night fiesta, which proved very popular with locals and guests from overseas. It did so well that we decided to host an even larger event this year,” says Perry Chung, executive director of Ocean Park’s commercial operations. 

 

“Our aim is to firmly establish Ocean Park as the hub for dining and entertainment on the southern side of Hong Kong.”
“Last year Chill Out@The South was designed around three themes: All About Sake, Pop & Rock Beer Fest, and In Taste of Excellence. The 2018 Drink’N Music Fest is inspired by Chill Out and once again combines the best location with food, beer and music. The concert setting offers an intimate experience for both the audience and the musicians, which was greatly appreciated by those who came last year. That’s why we have expanded the concert lineup for this year, increasing the number of shows at Applause Pavilion to 20 from 16,” adds Lau Ming-wai, the park’s deputy chairman.

 

“The response has been very enthusiastic following our announcement of the event in January and tickets for some concerts were almost totally sold out within just a few days of going on sale. The fiesta will showcase more than 200 unique food and beverage items so fair-goers can truly indulge themselves in what Hong Kong has to offer as a food paradise,” he continues.

 

This year’s Drink’N Music Fest features a diverse lineup that ranges from pop and rock to indie and alternative nightly from 7.15 to 9.15. Participating artists include pop stars Justin Lo, Endy Chow, Ellen Joyce Loo, Eman Lam and Chet Lam, Cantopop duo Shine featuring Chui Tienyou and Wong Younam, Yoyo Sham, Alfred Hui, Jill Vidal, Jason Chan PakYu, Chan Winghim, Phil Lam, Robynn & Kendy, and Mischa Ip. ToNick, Kolor, Chochukmo, Dear Jane, Qiu Hong, Kimman Wong, Chochukmo, Jude, and RubberBand provide the rock.

 

“Shine has a lot of good memories of Ocean Park and they will bring a great show to fans. The members of RubberBand told us they were delighted to be invited to perform at Ocean Park again this year. They love the stage and the vibe here because Applause Pavilion allows them to get closer to the audience for a more engaging experience,” says Lau Ming-wai.

 

RubberBand was there for the opening ceremony too, kicking off the event with a tight set that had fans up on their feet and dancing.
“Ocean Park has a wide variety of guests attending the festival and we are thrilled to be joining them. We look forward to being part of a special weekend,” a member of RubberBand told The Nation after their set. 

 

“This year’s Hong Kong pop music live at Drink’N Music Fest 2018 presents music fans with an even more diverse lineup of the city’s hottest singers and bands than last year. Together with an amazing choice of beers and popular restaurants, we expect attendance figures at this year’s event to surpass last year’s,” said Timothy Ng, executive director for Ocean Park’s operations and entertainment.

 

Ocean Park has partnered with celebrity chef KK Chan Kwok-keung for the first time to present a fine dining menu at Neptune’s Restaurant featuring contemporary Chinese food made with the finest ingredients and sustainable seafood.

 

“We invited Kwok-keung to share his extensive culinary experience and cooking skills with the park’s F&B team at Neptune’s Restaurant by launching exclusive tasting and a la carte menus. Blending concepts and techniques of iconic regional cuisine from all over China, the menus will please gourmets seeking a high-quality Chinese dining experience,” Lau Ming-wai explains.

 

And anyone who loves their suds will be in beer drinker’s heaven with dozens of beer brands from different countries and cities among the 100-plus types of beers and other alcoholic drinks available at the fest. These include several beers that have received international awards and new craft beer flavours that have been developed locally. Punters can line their stomachs with the plethora of street food and snacks with enticing flavours from around the world, including Shanghai panfried buns, Taiwanese treats and Hawaiian barbecue platters.

 

One not to miss is the Orange CreamsicAle that’s been crafted by local brewery Heroes Beer specifically for the event. It was inspired by a recent visit to Ocean Park by the brewer who thought it would be fun to conjure up a drink that reminded him of his happy childhood visits to the park and his favourite orange ice lolly. The result is a craft beer imbued with a tantalising, succulent citrus flavour and accented by a dash of sweet vanilla.

 
See it, taste it

- By buying a reloadable e-token with a HK$50 (Bt240) stored value, guests can enter the park after 6.30pm with a coupon booklet and a souvenir beer mug to enjoy the event’s food and beverage offerings. 

- Concert tickets cost HK$180 and HK$280 and are available at the park after 6.30pm, with a reloadable etoken with a $30 stored value, a coupon booklet and a souvenir beer mug included. 

- For tickets and a full schedule of events, check out www.OceanPark.com.hk.