What To See and Do at This Year’s Singapore Night Festival 2017 in the Bras Basah and Bugis Precinct
PUBLISHED August 8th, 2017 07:00 am | UPDATED August 20th, 2017 01:17 am
Wondering what to do and see at this year’s edition of the annual Singapore Night Festival? Returning for the 10th time from 18 to 26 August 2017 at several locations around the Bras Basah and Bugis precinct, the festival has grown to become a key event in not just Singapore, but also the region’s calendar of outdoor arts and culture festivals. The latest edition sees some 70 enthralling programmes by over 65 local and international artists, and you can bet there’ll be something to inspire, to impress, and to excite you.
Here is what’s up!
See the amazing Night Lights
Unlike last year, this time has the Night Lights opening on the first weekend and running from 7.30pm to midnight daily, giving you nine whole nights to soak in the magic and splendour of the light installations without having to worry about the crowds, and of course, to snap all the Insta-worthy photos you want.
Visit the Festival Village for shopping, food, and music
The Festival Village is back over three consecutive nights on the second weekend with an eclectic line-up of shows. There’ll be music performances by the likes of The Sally Suitcases, Riot !n Magenta, and Dawn Wong with The Shanghai Jazz Club, pro-wrestling shows by Grapple Max Dojo down at the Pit; a number of roving acts; and a specially-curated shopping and epicurean experience with over 30 flea market and food and beverage stalls.
Go on a themed trail on foot and by bicycle
If you’re not sure where to start, then why not tour the festival with its themed trails? With three to choose from (Magic of Love, Magic of Imagination, and Magic of Chance) you’ll be able to maximise your time and see all the stunning installations. This year, the organisers have partnered with Hello, Bicycle! to offer a whole new way through the heritage district: by whizzing your way on a unique Bicycle Trail. Bring your own bikes or rent one for free!
Catch performances by international performing groups and artists
From the astounding circus techniques and pyrotechnics of Netherland’s Close-Act Theatre to KMA‘s immersive light, sound, and projection experience (with live motion tracking technology, no less), there are a whole slew of world-class performing groups and artists ready to entertain during the second weekend. So, head down, and be entertained.
Check out ‘Play to Screen’ at DECK
DECK, the popular art and photography art space, presents Play to Screen, a visual and music performance that celebrates the beauty of image making. For two nights, witness Magnum Photos, Aik Beng Chia and Mindy Tan on an outdoor projection, accompanied by young musicians Lim Han Quan and Kevin Tan Han Ming from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. There will also be a special screening of Wagner: Genius in Exile, as you trace the trail of the renowned Richard Wagner’s exile to Switzerland. Get your tickets here.
Party on the street
If you’ve been to any previous runs of the Armenian Street parties, you’ll know they’re going to be bucket loads of fun. Closed to traffic and made ‘pedestrian-only’ on the second weekend from 7.30pm till late, this is where the Forever Young show by Sing’theatre, as charismatic silver-haired musicians show that the older folks can get down and party like the rest of us! Other highlights include Raw Earth as they get the crowd grooving to the jazzy electrifying beats of Lindy Hop, reggae talent MAS1A, and the high-energy samba percussion group MOTUS.
Singapore Night Festival 2017 is happening on 18 to 26 August 2017 at various locations around the Bras Basah and Bugis precinct. Click here for the full line-up.
Top Image: Convolutions by EZ3kiel
