Did you know that Singapore has over 700 years of history? Well, now you do, and the Singapore Night Festival (SNF) is here to show you after a two-year hiatus.
SNF 2023, organised by the National Heritage Board, is returning for its 14th year at the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) district, following the theme, “Singapore, the Great Port City”. From Aug 18 to 26, the festival will showcase the evolution of Singapore, starting from its early beginnings as a port city to what it is today, through multicultural festival offerings, artist co-creations and collaborations between local and international artists.
BBB is not just one of the oldest districts in Singapore, but is home to museums, historic monuments, and heritage buildings. Known as Singapore’s arts, heritage, and design precinct, it showcases a fusion of both old and new buildings, from Chinese and Hindu temples to those that are more contemporary like the School of Arts and the National Library.
There will be over 50 experiences lighting up the BBB precinct. Here are some of what festivalgoers can look forward to.
Go roller skating
This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go roller skating at the National Museum of Singapore. Created by local artist Dawn Ng. Time is a Black Circle reimagines the lively disco scene of the BBB precinct and transforms the museum into an indoor roller skating rink in tribute to the roaring sixties and seventies. Groove, jive and skate to famous hits of the past in a psychedelic rotunda, just like the energetic nightlife scene of yesteryears.
See the lights
Night Lights will transform everyday spaces around the BBB precinct with 12 luminous installations. The glowing spectacle will brighten up the perimeters of the precinct, from the Banyan Tree located at the National Museum with A Stone’s Throw (Away) by WY-TO Group, inspired by legendary tale of Badang, to the Farquhar Garden at Canning Rise with Rimbun by Shakir a.k.a Grasshopper which showcases colourful motifs inspired by traditional wood carving, batik and songket being projected onto the many plants in the garden.
Be enthralled by projection mapping installations
The well-loved projection mapping installations return with four enthralling works that will illuminate the facades of cultural buildings in the BBB precinct. Gather at the front lawn of the National Museum and enjoy 700 Years, this time with a theatrical twist as it takes viewers on a timelapse through the vast connectivity of Singapore as a trading hub, from the 14th century until today.
Over at at Chijimes, festivalgoers will be immersed in the works of local artists such as Chris Chai (from Cosmicchai), Sadiq Mansor (from 249.png), and Ashley YK Yeo.
Bring the whole family
SNF’s first dedicated family zone will have something for everyone. Concentrated around Fort Canning Rise, families can look forward to children’s programmes at Children’s Museum Singapore, a roving performance by Sweet Tooth and light installations with specially designed interactive elements for young children.
Enjoy a diverse line-up of performances
Local artists, bands and theatre companies across both festival weekends will be showing their interpretations of Singapore, the Great Port City at three locations within the precinct. One highlight is #WaterlooStKakis, a collective that celebrates Waterloo Street Stories with outdoor music, audio plays and exhibition.
Get your game on
Don’t miss the festival’s very first gamified web app named Night Walk where visitors can check in at 10 different checkpoints across the festival and unlock audio and digital stories that are exclusive to the app. Those that check in at all 10 stops can stand a chance to win a grand prize at the end of the festival.
“Many may not be aware that BBB has been featured quite prominently through Singapore’s 700 years as a port city, and we hope to pay homage to the vital role it played through SNF’s programmes, while encouraging everyone to explore the iconic cultural institutions and museums across the precinct,” shares festival director David Chew.
Though tickets to the festival are free, some of the programmes are ticketed. Early bird ticket sales for Time is a Black Circle will run from Jul 18 to Aug 17 via Klook.
The festival will be held at Bras Basah.Bugis. For more information, visit nightfestival.gov.sg.
