Nikki Davies sips on a coffee but she doesn’t really need the energy hit. She’s running on adrenaline as Hong Kong’s inaugural Jungle Island Music Festival (JIMF), being staged this month, edges closer.
Scheduled for March 15 to 17, JIMF features 10 bands and 50 DJs, who will bring their beats to the tranquil setting of Tai Long Wan on Lantau Island.
“This festival is about diversity and inclusivity all in the name of music and community,” says co-organiser Davies.
The line-up of Hong Kong-based talent includes indie favourites Shumking Mansion, Afrobeat group The Afroseas, the versatile Maryjane & The Gang and rising rockers Whitt’s End. Those hitting the decks include Mengzy, Changa, and Tao.
“Our goal is to bring together people from all walks of life, countries and cultures, who’ve made Hong Kong home, to dance from sunrise to sunset to sunrise again, and for people to connect with friends – old and new,” says Ken Kwong, the driving force behind JIMF.”
“We want to create unforgettable magical moments to a soundtrack of their favourite home-grown live bands, hot new artists, and local DJ music masters,” Kwong says of the festival, which begins on March 15 at 3pm (music starts at 6pm) and wraps up on March 17 at 11pm.
Workshops to fine-tune the mind and body have been woven into the programme, as well as a market selling goods made by Hong Kong artisans.
Festivalgoers can access Tai Long Wan Bay by sampan from nearby Cheung Chau island or catch JIMF’s direct ferry service from Central Pier 9 on Hong Kong Island.
Accommodation packages range from glamping to bring your own tent (BYOT) camping. Those holding a multiple-day pass who don’t want to camp can stay on Cheung Chau. Renting an overnight junk and anchoring in the bay is another option.
“If you put your heart and soul into it, it’s going to be an incredible experience,” says Davies. And pack a good vibe.
“That means being responsible with drinking, responsible with your behaviour and building a community by keeping each other in check and helping each other,” says Davies. “You’re going to make lifelong friends.”
A seasoned festivalgoer, Davies loves the connections to music and mates that events like JIMF can foster. But she has a pet peeve. “My number one hate is porta potties,” she laughs.
A visit to Thailand’s arts and music festival Wonderfruit raised the bar. It had proper toilets, and she’s doing the same at JIMF.
“We built a new toilet block with flushing ceramic toilets and hot showers … Everything is there.”
For more details, visit the Jungle Island Music Festival website.