City blows hot for Coldplay

Ayra Wang

Coldplay fever has gripped Hong Kong ahead of their sold-out concerts, with the band's Kai Tak pop-up store selling out all merchandise within six hours of opening yesterday.

Eager fans lined up early on Sunday at Airside mall to purchase exclusive tour items including vinyl records, apparel and accessories.

Operator ArtisynX announced plans to restock, with updates coming through official channels.

On social media, fans are sharing handmade merchandise and practicing lyrics for the four upcoming shows at Kai Tak Stadium on April 8, 9, 11 and 12.

"Can't wait for the first Coldplay concert in Kai Tak Sports Park," a mainland fan posted on Xiaohongshu.

Coldplay's Hong Kong fan page also posted historical photos of the band's debut in the city back in 2006, when they brought their third concert tour "Twisted Logic Tour" to AsiaWorld-Expo.

The origin of the band's name continues to intrigue fans. It traces back to a 1997 poetry book titled "Child's Reflection" containing a poem called "Cold Play" by Philip Horky. A university friend of the band initially considered using the name before Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin adopted it.

While the band admit they chose it because "it sounded cool," fans interpret deeper a meaning - "cold" representing life's hardships and "play" symbolizing joy.

The Transport Department has arranged special measures including enhanced MTR services on the Tuen Ma Line and East Rail Line for concertgoers, with the last trains to Lo Wu Station departing Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm.

Alternative cross-border options include taking the East Rail Line to Sheung Shui Station and then transferring to buses 276B or N73 to Lok Ma Chau for shuttle services to Huanggang.

Eleven special bus routes will operate from Sung Wong Toi Road, including dedicated cross-border services SP12 to Lok Ma Chau and A25S to Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port.

Pre-booked cross-boundary coaches are available through operators Eternal East Bus and CTG Bus, with tickets to Huanggang priced at HK$100.

Taxi services at Sung Wong Toi Road will run from 2pm to 11.30pm, though longer wait times are expected post-concert.

Authorities recommend using public transportation as no parking will be available at the venue during the shows.

Real-time updates can be checked through the "Easy Leave" platform, the Transport Department website and the HKeMobility app.