Party like a local at the Hong Kong Sevens 2019

Gather the whole squad and decide on a killer costume to stand out from the crowd. The Sevens is all about putting your best face forward so definitely come dressed to impress – plus it’s a lot more fun when everyone partakes in the convivial party atmosphere.

Fitfluencer and self-professed ‘queen of costumes’ Utah Lee suggests a visit to Ki Lung Street at Sham Shui Po followed by a crafting session to 'add, alter, cut, sew and glue' creations together. “Nothing too big and too hot for sure,” advises the Nike Master Trainer when it comes to picking the ideal costume. “It really depends on the mood and what we can find.” For hats, capes, wigs, feather boas and more, Central’s Pottinger Street is also a great port of call. Pop in all the different shops before picking the cheapest option.  

Cantonese rockers RubberBand are past performers at the Sevens fanzone in Chater Gardens. Performing in a location where human traffic jams are the norm was unusual for the band, but the concert “created a relaxing environment for everyone, and they listened intently”. When asked which of their songs best expresses the Sevens spirit, they named Men on the Dragon for its intensity and encouraging lyrics. But they also might surprise us with cover songs from one of the greatest rock bands of all time. “We would love to dress up as Queen and perform songs like We Are The Champions, We Will Rock You and Love of My Life,” the band shares. “Seeing Queen perform live at the HK Sevens would definitely be on the top of our list. Even though it's no longer possible to see the original group perform together, their energetic spirit is perfect for the HK Sevens.”

Look out for performances at Sevens Central at Central Harbourfront by Cantonese singer-songwriter Circle, alt-rockers Seasons For Change, a special Old Skool set by DJ Nipper and tribute acts performing hits by Queen, Pink, The Rolling Stones and Oasis, among others. Nothing gets a party going quite like a gig, and the Sevens musical performances do just that. This year’s headliner – Gwen Stefani – promises to have the crowd going bananas.

The Sevens is a family-friendly affair and as a mother of two children, Utah Lee suggests packing biscuits and crisps to keep the kids satiated through the day. You definitely need to fuel up in order to keep your energy up to experience the best of what the Sevens has to offer. Caleb and Josh Ng, the culinary creatives behind Twins Kitchen, urge Sevens-goers to embrace festival food in all its glory. “The vibe just makes you crave a hot dog. Hold it in one hand, and glug a beer with the other,” they say. If you find yourself – perhaps inevitably – in need of a hangover cure, an espresso tonic is their go-to cure for the morning after.
 
It’s going to be a weekend of boozing, so here’s how you can prevent waking up with a hangover. “Eat plenty of fatty foods and carbs, which help to soak up the alcohol,” say Caleb and Josh Ng. “But if all else fails, make sure you know where the toilets are so you can make a beeline for them if need be.”

The Sevens is a family-friendly affair and options for children’s entertainment are nearly endless. Face painting stations allow you to wear your national flag with pride, while performances by the Living Statues around Sevens Central are guaranteed to delight. The Mirror Family is covered head to toe in hundreds of mirrors and will wow crowds as they leave optical illusions in their wake.

There is also a giant floating rugby ball display at Central Harbour from April 3 to 7. It's a great spot for snaps. But you have to stay on your game. “When you have kids, you need to learn how to take photos quickly, because they just move around so fast and unpredictably! Don’t push for extra shots, either, unless you want an unhappy child,“ says Utah Lee, who is a mother of two.

“Remember to bring a portable charger, drinks and snacks for your children,” she adds. “They can get very thirsty and tired from all the running and playing around they will be doing.” 

The Hong Kong Sevens may be where the world comes to play, but the players take things seriously. “It offers double points to teams on the world series,” explains Ant Haynes, the co-founder of Coastal Fitness and a previous Hong Kong Fifteen and Sevens player who played in two Asian Games, two Rugby Sevens World Cups and more, so you know he knows what he’s talking about. “It often means that the ‘bigger name’ players get brought out to play,” he shares. He suggests sporting fans to catch the qualifiers, finals and cup final, while Lee has her eye on the Asian teams battling it out (and her money on Hong Kong, of course).

To make the most of Sevens fever, Haynes encourages people to check out as many of the events around the city as you can, from the Rugby Sevens matches to Sevens Central along the Harbourfront and beyond in the city. “Remember to check out all the promotional events happening around the city before, during and after the Sevens. That includes the HK7s tent across the road from the stadium, where the party keeps going after the games each day,” he says. If you can’t catch the games live, fret not as the matches are all shown on the big screen at Sevens Central. “You’ll definitely feel more at home dressing up,” he suggests. Cheer on team Hong Kong and dress head to toe in flag colours. While you’re there, soak in the live music, be entertained by international street performers and enjoy Happy Hour promotions all day long.

Here are the key matches as recommended by Haynes:  Festival do’s and don’t’s
If all that information is too much to process, here are some quick and easy do’s and don’t’s from Haynes. Having toured the Sevens circuit extensively, the former Captain of the Hong Kong Sevens team is more familiar with the scene than most. “Do get involved in the atmosphere. If you love to party, get involved in the South Stand at Hong Kong Stadium – and get to the stadium early for the best seats, too.” As for the don’t, Haynes has this to say. “Don't wake up so late that you lose your seats at the stadium, or get so drunk that you miss all the action. Public transport during the Sevens will be more crowded too so be prepared to walk. Take a 15-minute walk along Caroline Hill Road from Causeway Bay Station Exit F towards the direction of Leighton Road.” If you don’t like to get rowdy, don’t go to the South Stand. “That's the craziest section of the stadium, consider the higher East/West stands for better viewing of the entire field,” advises Haynes. And if you can’t make it to the stadium, there are live screenings of the Rugby Sevens on the big screen at Sevens Central. So whatever you do, don’t miss out all the Sevens action!

Sevens Central
Date: 6-7 April 2019 (Sat & Sun)
Venue: Central Harbourfront
(free entry)

Hong Kong Sevens
Date: 5-7 April 2019 (Fri to Sun)
More details: hkrugby.com/shop/tickets/sevenssuperpass2019

Gwen Stefani Concert
Date: 5 April 2019 (Fri)
More details: ticketflap.com/7sfest2019gwenstefani