As we approach the end of 2019, Marina Bay and the Civic District are getting ready to welcome 2020 with a bustling countdown celebration lined up with exciting activities for all from day to night. From foodies to music enthusiasts, from animal lovers to thrill-seekers, as well as those in search of novelty experiences and free activities for the whole family, there is something for everyone! Presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the 15th edition of Singapore’s biggest countdown event Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2020 will offer a festive atmosphere for everyone to usher in the New Year together.
Welcoming 2020 with hopes and dreams
Revellers will be treated to a visual spectacle as the three iconic facades of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion are adorned with colourful and dazzling light projections reflecting the hopes and dreams of our community. These projections are adapted from some 50 artworks by over 40 individuals from four social service organisations, and showcase the artists’ aspirations for the future. This is part of the Build a Dream initiative by Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2020 in partnership with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC).
Starting from 26 December, the facade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will light up with artworks created by the beneficiaries from Beyond Social Services and SHINE Children and Youth Services, providing an imaginative glimpse into their future through the creative minds of our next generation. Journey through various whimsical worlds, exploring a starry universe, underwater seascape and even a candy factory! Catch the nightly light projections between 8pm and 10.30pm from 26 to 30 December and between 8pm and 11.30pm on New Year’s Eve.
Joining in the visual extravaganza from 29 December, the facades of the Merlion and ArtScience Museum will come alive with a kaleidoscope of dancing colours. The light projection on the façade of the Merlion will showcase artworks co-created by the elderly patients and volunteers of the Yishun Community Hospital. These artworks are part of the patients’ expression therapy with the volunteers, and reflect the volunteers’ hope for the elderly to age actively. The light projection tells the meaningful story of the community’s shared experiences and values passed down from past generations. The public can catch the nightly light projections on the Merlion between 8pm and 10.30pm from 29 to 30 December, and between 8pm and 11.30pm on 31 December.
Over at the ArtScience Museum, beneficiaries of the Dyslexia Association of Singapore will share how people with dyslexia relate to the world, and their hope to create an even more inclusive society. The public can catch the nightly light projections between 8.15pm and 10.30pm from 29 to 30 December, and between 8.15pm to 10.15pm on 31 December.
Besides viewing the projections, the public can also show their support for the respective social service organisations by donating or volunteering their time. More information can be found on Giving.sg/mbsc-build-a-dream.
Endless fun to kick-start the party even before the sun sets on New Year’s Eve
Come 31 December, Marina Bay is set to come alive with countdown celebrations from as early as 1pm. Kicking off the celebrations is the Voice of My Generation (VOMG) Rock Band NYE Party at the Singapore Flyer waterfront promenade. Join the 1,000-strong group comprising local youth musicians, which will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Performing Rock Band! Stay on for a special countdown concert at 10pm featuring lively performances from various local schools all the way till past midnight.
Visitors looking to start the year-end celebrations early can also head over to the Civic District, where St Andrew’s Road, part of Fullerton Road and Connaught Drive will be closed to traffic as an extension of the celebrations around the bay.
From as early as 4pm, Connaught Drive will be transformed into a pets’ carnival where pet lovers can bring along their furry loved ones to ring in the New Year together at Unwind @ Civic District: Pets Pawty. There will be an all-day picnic area and a line-up of pet activities and competitions for pet owners to have fun with their furry friends such as an agility park, obstacle race and a doggy free-run area. Visitors may also visit the bazaar to interact with animals such as the famous SG Polish Chicken and Persian Meowdels.
Those looking to grab some bites, mingle and party can head to Unwind @ Civic District: Eats & Beats where a variety of food and drink options, including pop-up bars, will be available at the Empress Lawn from 4pm. Gear up for the countdown at midnight by dancing the night away with Silent Disco Asia from 8pm, or mingle with fun-loving individuals at the MIX Bar1 over a free cocktail2 while engaging in interactive activities. Arts and culture lovers can sip champagne while enjoying a special performance by The Philharmonic Orchestra at the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall; or check out the exhibitions at the Asian Civilisations Museum and The Arts House, which will be extending their opening hours for the evening.
Back at Marina Bay, a special New Year’s Eve performance at The Great Circus of Europe, which is coming to Singapore for the first time ever, awaits. Presented by Uncle Ringo, the first show on New Year’s Eve will start at 4pm at the Bayfront Event Space. Other than jaw-dropping circus acts and stunts, one can indulge in family-friendly carnival games and rides, and check out some 50 food and retail stalls at the Escapade Festival Village. From 5pm onwards, families can also enjoy an array of activities such as bouncy castles, arts and crafts booths, roving performances and magic shows at Starlight @ The Lawn.
Music lovers can party it up at The Promontory @ Marina Bay with Mediacorp’s brightest stars and local talents such as Jarrell Huang, Fang Rong, Aisyah Aziz, Benjamin Kheng and Jasmine Sokko at the Let’s Celebrate 2020 countdown concert from 7pm or groove to an evening of live performances at Esplanade Presents: Come Together by local favourites such as Joe and the Soul Express and MOTUS.
Over at The Float @ Marina Bay, the audience at STAR ISLAND SINGAPORE COUNTDOWN EDITION 2019-2020 will be awed by its 90-minute fireworks musical show titled 2019: A SPACE ODYSSEY. The exciting synchronisation of fireworks, pyrotechnics and 3D surround sound as well as action-packed stage performances featuring unicyclists, fire acts, ballet dancers and more, will create an immersive and unique New Year’s Eve experience. Doors open from 5pm at The Float @ Marina Bay with live DJ sets, a family-friendly entertainment zone, and appetising delights at the food village.
Lighting up a new decade in the heart of our city
The non-stop entertainment and fun will culminate in a stunning eight-minute long fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. Merrymakers around the bay will be able to watch the magnificent fireworks and usher in the New Year with their family, friends and loved ones. Those who are unable to be at Marina Bay can also join in the celebration through the live broadcast of the countdown fireworks on the URA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/urasingapore).
For more details on the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2020, please visit: https://www.marinabaycountdown.sg/
