Jungle Island Music Festival debuts this weekend with all-star local line-up

Gear up for Jungle Island Music Festival (JIMF) which arrives this weekend, March 15-17, on Lantau’s Pristine Tai Long Wan in Hong Kong.

With the tagline “Hong Kong’s Freshest Homegrown Festival”, JIMF is mentioned by organisers as a "community-first festival experienced organised by a community of freelance event and hospitality professionals, music collectives and enthusiasts with the backing of Studio 8.5 Co. Ltd."

"The fact that it's the inaugural edition means it that 'independent, homegrown, non-established' spirit making it more boutique in its set-up, compared to well-established festivals out there. Secondly, our daily capacity is 'a mere 500', while other festivals in Hong Kong and Asia host up to 2,000 and upwards of daily festival goers. This makes the festival more intimate with a slightly different experience, whether it's connecting with the artists or with your fellow festivalgoers," mentions Olaf Hessing of JIMF when asked about what sets the newcomer festival apart from the rest.

Attendees will be presented with over 10 bands and 50 DJs representing the thriving local scene spread across three days and two stages.

Mixmag Asia has come on board to support the inaugural JIMF by curating a choice selection of beat purveyors that best represent the myriad of sounds coming out of the Hong Kong scene.

Without revealing too much of our picks, here’s a sneak peek of who’ll be performing on the Wetlands Stage: Gargoyle Girlfriend, Subez Yeti, Mengzy b2b MMEE, JustBee, JFÜNG, Sean Rogers, plus a This is Bunker takeover which will launch the stage at 6pm on the first day of the festival.

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Also not to miss are Asia’s biggest Afrobeats group The Afroseas featuring Global Natives, Shumking Mansion, plus Whitt’s End who just made their Clockenflap debut, alongside performances by local event organisers and experience curators such as Get Groovy Asia and Haus of Circuit.

Beyond the music, attendees will get to immerse in the green getaway destination, accessible only by sampan (small boat) or ferry for an off-the-beaten-track experience.

"Everyone always thinks of Hong Kong as a densely packed city with skyscrapers, but it has so much to offer. I think a lot of locals realised this during the pandemic, when planning a day trip to an outlying Island or even Sai Kung became normal — that it's not on the other side of the world in terms of distance plus is easily accessible," adds Olaf.

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JIMF also offers soul-enhancing workshops and activities, plus delectable culinary treats from small, self-run businesses and pop-up concepts.

For more info on Jungle Island Music Festival (including its location, how to get there and more), click here.

Organisers have also prepared different categories of tickets to suit your needs (including daily, student and glamping passes); get yours here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.