Some 7,000 historic structures, sites and buildings scattered around the island of Singapore are set to take centre stage for this year’s Singapore HeritageFest.
Organised by the National Heritage Board, the 21st edition of the annual history extravaganza aims to celebrate the nation’s built heritage with over 120 edutainment programmes. It coincides with the 35th year of Singapore’s conservation programme, hence the fitting theme.
History buffs and families alike can look forward to tours on foot, bus and even boat as they explore everything from the old Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and storied districts like Kampong Gelam and Bras Basah, to offshore kelongs (floating fish farms) and a 168-year-old maritime beacon and colonial remnant in the Raffles Lighthouse.
Those who want to take their understanding of the stories behind Singapore’s built heritage to the next level can participate in a series of immersive experiences like a twilight tour of Changi’s spookiest spots, a sampler outfield camp and route march courtesy of the SAFTI Military Institute, and a hands-on visit to City Sprouts Henderson, a former school-turned-urban farm.
That’s not all. Other Singapore Heritage Fest mainstays like the Homeground installation will be returning too. Laid on the lawn of the National Museum of Singapore, it will feature five displays detailing the evolution of Singapore’s architectural identity over the years, with a focus on our ubiquitous public housing blocks as well as the country’s first UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Site, the 165-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens and its iconic bandstand gazebo.
The lawn will also be the site of the festival’s Closing Weekend Block Party, featuring scrumptious food, arts & crafts and live music performances to close off the month of festivities.
Singapore Heritage Fest 2024 will run until May 26. Head here for a full list of programmes.
