It’s been a minute since we last had a massive shopping and eating affair. And while the arrival of Thailand’s Artbox in Singapore last April ended up being a bit of an overcrowded hot mess, it proved one thing—Singaporeans love their giant, overhyped markets.
The good news: the next one is coming up in just three weeks. From Dec 9-30, Flashbang, conceptualized as Singapore’s first and largest creative retail playground, will take over part of Orchard Road, in what’s set to be the biggest multi-sensory event of the year.
Brought to you by the same people responsible for Artbox Singapore, the event will feature everything you look for in a market and more—a marketplace with up to 120 F&B and retail brands, interactive art installations, and a ton of performances from local DJs, artists and buskers. Homegrown retail brands Dressabelle, Megafash and Meykrs will be present to hawk their wares, but local designers and creators interested in setting up shop at Flashbang can email in here to join the party too.
Unlike Artbox Singapore, Flashbang is splitting its many offerings into distinct day and night programmes. From 3-7pm, look forward to craft workshops by local entrepreneurs, a make-a-gift station offering customization services, and even experiential virtual reality installations and interactive walls. Once the sun goes down, it’s all about light tunnels, walkways and sculptures designed by local artists that add on to the Orchard Road Christmas lights. In addition, a booth providing fun body paints, glowsticks, glitter, tattoos and other accessories, plus a photobooth that lets you experience light painting, will keep you busy from 7-11pm. The leading theme is neon lights, so it’s bound to be a pretty affair.
Hopefully, the expansion of activities and longer dates will mean dispersed crowds and more room to flail around in excitement. The entire event will be held within the open-air carpark at Grange Road, the one behind 313@Somerset—strange choice of venue, but fingers crossed it’ll be bangin’.
Flashbang is happening Dec 9-30, 3-11pm daily, at the open-air car park at Grange Road (behind 313@Somerset). More information here.
