Look forward to yet another special edition of the Singapore Heritage Festival (SHF) as shortly after its 2019 Bicentennial run, the annual celebration of local culture will be taking place completely online this 2020. Happening from Jun 19-Jul 5, explore our city’s past and see how the new digital edition will spotlight lesser-known stories of three districts in Singapore, including Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Ris and Kallang Basin.
With more than 80 programmes slated for release, find three weekends filled with interactive activities that allow locals more access to heritage content from the comfort of their homes as part of the ongoing #SGCultureAnywhere movement.
Over the first weekend, the SHF will kick off with a peek into Tanjong Pagar precinct’s past. Now a dining and nightlife locale, the area was once home to nutmeg plantations and many communities of all walks of life. Just rediscover its beauty by checking out the Hello Tanjong Pagar! mini documentary series which showcases the former St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital, or pay a virtual visit to Singapore’s oldest tea house and a beloved confectionary store through an intimate live dialogue with local brands Tea Chapter and Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh.
As for the second weekend, take a trip down to the coastal neighbourhood that is Pasir Ris, for stories about the former resort town will be revealed through the Hello Pasir Ris! mini documentary series. Or catch the five-part Pasir Ris, Rise and Shine online theatrical experience by ACT3 International, among many other offerings. Step back in time and imagine frolicking around the historic Golden Palace Resort with family and friends, then check out the luscious Pasir Ris mangroves and catch wildlife sightings.
Kampong Kallang (Credit: National Archives of Singapore)
Finally, during weekend three, discover what laid before the sporting hub of Kallang came to be. Besides revisiting the neighbourhood’s history through the Hello Kallang! mini documentary series, immerse yourself in a riveting production about the landmarks of the area that will also offer digital storytelling via animation, soundscape and interactive game experiences.
Festival-goers might also be interested to relive Singapore’s sporting triumphs with a screening of Kallang Roar the Movie, or take a digital tour by Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah which delves into the history of popiah coupled with a live demonstration.
While further details of additional activities and experiences continue to be ironed out, just head over to the SHF 2020 site to find all the offerings available at the moment. Rest assured you won’t have to bum around the house browsing through Netflix for the next couple of weekends to come.
Singapore Heritage Festival 2020 runs from Jun 19-Jul 5. More information available here.
