2014 in Retrospect: Our Top 10 Events of the Year
PUBLISHED December 30th, 2014 04:00 pm | UPDATED May 26th, 2020 02:53 pm
2014 has been a pretty epic year. The scene in Singapore is constantly changing and there seems to be an endless stream of new venues, events and festivals taking place. This year saw an increase in three specific categories for us City Nomads; Music festival, theatre productions and ‘fun runs’. For example, this year saw over a dozen fun runs like Wet N Wild, Zombie runs, Colour runs and more… So much fun, and 2015 is looking to be even better.
That being said, now is a time of reflection so what are the events that really captures our imagination and hearts this year…. Time to round up:
ZoukOut 2014, 12-13 December
The world’s only sunrise beach festival was quite impressive this year with a stellar lineup – like Nicky Romero, Martin Garrix, and Above & Beyond, to refresh your memory – and really good visual effects. With a record breaking turnout of 50,000 attendees, the 2014 edition of Singapore’s most famous (electronic dance music) festival is definitely one to remember.
Happening again in 2015? There was an inherent fear that ZoukOut would end if Zouk were indeed forced to close, but now we’re pretty sure we will see ZoukOut 2015.
Singapore Teochew Festival, 25 September – 5 October
Organized and presented by the Teochew Poet Ip Huay Kuan, this festival celebrates the rich heritage of Singaporean Teochews. The elderly reminiscence while the younger ‘uns get to learn about the roots of this dialect group. With different sections like Arts & Crafts and Food & Beverages, the festival was so popular that it was extended – pretty awesome!
Happening again in 2015? As much as we’d like it to happen again next year, it might be good to throw the spotlight on another dialect group.
Singapore Night Festival, 22-30 August
Two weekends of music, dance, art installation and more in a transformed Bras Basah/Bugis art and heritage district, this nocturnal extravaganza was an opportunity to see Singapore through a different light. This year’s programmes included cool interaction art installations like The Earth Harp, where the National Museum of Singapore was transformed into a giant instrument,
Happening again in 2015? Yep, Singapore Night Festival is unofficially our little red dot’s midsummer celebration. With SG50 happening next year, it’s probably going to be a lot bigger and better.
Creatory, 23-24 August
Conceived by 8@ate productions, the Creatory Festival was a surprisingly excellent addition to this year’s ‘foodie’ festivals. Showcasing artisanal producers and suppliers from around Singapore. However, not just about the food, it made an impressive exhibition of local artists, musicians architects and more. A festival that really demonstrates what it’s like when great local talent comes together.
Happening again in 2015? We sure hope so. The mix of vendors they had at this weekend festival was slammin’.
Illumi Nation, 11 October
This psychedelic showdown piqued the interest of Singaporeans from all walks of life. Held the first time this year, the party lineup saw internationally known DJs like Bingo Players, Dada Life, and Martin Solveig firing up the night with their groovy beats. Fringe activities that festival goers could attend includes glow-in-the-dark graffiti art, body art painting, and dance acts.
Happening again in 2015? We think so, ’cause Singaporeans like beach parties, neon colours, and electronic dance music all at once.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 13-16 November
Following the inaugral visit of the Royal Shakespeare Company to to our shores last year for the all-female performance of The Taming of the Shrew, this year saw the return of some of England’s finest actors in performing one of Shakespeare’s funniest and best-loved plays. For only 4 nightly shows, the cast, dressed in full traditional garb and superb costumes wowed the audience, taking advantage of the entire auditorium as their stage.
An incredible production over all and this proud Londoner in Singapore couldn’t have been happier.
Happening again in 2015? Indeed it shall! Taking place around November next year, and we can’t wait!
Summerdaze, 23 August
Despite the infamous Mos Def aka Yasin Bey disappointing crowds with his (very unprofessional if I might add) no-show, we were still blown away by the overall ambience and set up of the night. DJ Shortkut and Neil Armstrong rocked the house all night to a thrilled audience dressed in swimwear as we danced barefoot on the sandy beach. Great night overall.
Happening again in 2015? Most likely but obviously with difference artists coming down. We have heard rumour of Jurassic 5 but it’s not confirmed yet so don’t wet your pants just yet.
Singapore Wine Fiesta, 23-26 October
Wine Fiesta is a staple in the calendar for us. It’s a great chance to take an easy afternoon or evening and mossy around the venue driking wines from all over the world. What made is stand out for us specifically this year was the overall quality of wines. Amongst the many vineyards being represented over the weekend, we were pleasantly surprised to find a very high number that were not just friendly on the tongue, but also the wallet. Props specifically to the South African wines. We want to see you next year!
Happening again in 2015? Yes, and hopefully it will be even better.
Whisky Live 2014, 25th October
In its 4th year, the annual Whisky and Spirits Festival in Singapore ‘Whisky Live’ really knocked it out of the park this year. Completely sold out this year, the crowd were treated to a global selection. What however rocked our socks off was not in fact the whisky per say, but the secondary room devoted to other spirits. Easily the best range of rums, gins, vodkas and tequilas we’ve seen in one place at a fair/festival. Aside from that, the $80 ticket price is a bargain.
Happening again in 2015? Yes, and we’ll see you there!
Adult Playground, 8 November
A day out in Sentosa filled with great music, people and ton of awesome activities like archery tag, bubble soccor, dodgeball, gladiator, slip and slide and much more. I mean… what’s not to love? I just hope it’ll happen again next year. Great time out and so much fun!!
Happening again in 2015? No word yet but we really hope so!
Written by Alex Linton and Emily Seow
