Singaporeans are well acquainted with the annual Night Fest. In fact, we know the formula down to a tee: light shows projected on museums, Instagrammable installations…crowds.
But our favourite sundown party has yet more tricks up its sleeves. Inspired by this year’s Bicentennial celebrations, some acts will feature a Southeast Asian twist to pay tribute to our heritage. And of course, over 40 performances and 17 night lights will enthral and help us to populate our IG feed. Yep, #priorities.
We know just how tough it is to develop a Night Fest gameplan across the sprawling Bras Basah-Bugis district. So, here are the top highlights you need to conquer from 23 to 31 August.
P.S. Photo tips included – you’re welcome.
If you’ve ever been entranced by the acrobatics in The Greatest Showman, you shouldn’t miss Fuerza Bruta, a breathtaking performance held in the air with high drama and tons of theatrics.
This aerial theatre is performed by a renowned Argentinian troupe who has sold out shows across the world – so rest assured you’re in for a treat that will have you looking up in awe and enchantment.
Fuerza Bruta
Date and Time: 29th – 31st August: 8.30PM, 9.45PM, 11PM
Venue: Cathay Green
Admission: $15/pax excluding SISTIC fee. Discounted group tickets available. Get tickets here.
Every year, there’ll be one stand-out installation that deserves a double-take when you’re scrolling through social media. This year, that honour goes to Whispers, a wind-inspired installation by Light Society that looks as if a giant plastic bag is doing a dreamy, hypnotising dance.
Warning: the installation room is cool – literally. Wear a jacket.
Photo tip: Boomerang this. ‘Nuff said.
Whispers by Light Society
Date and Time: 8th August – 8th September: 10AM -7PM (extended to 10PM from 25th – 28th Aug, and to 12AM on festival weekends)
Venue: Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore
Admission: Free
This year, there are more contenders than ever when it comes to “The Best Light Projection” award. The new kids on the block are making their presence felt, with Stamford Clock tower being projected on for the first time ever in a vivid tropical theme by The Electric Canvas (Tropicana).
As a nod to our Southeast Asian heritage, the iconic Banyan tree besides the National Museum will be lit up to tell the tale of epic Sanskrit poem The Ramayana. This colourful tale will follow the journey of Prince Rama as he attempts to save his wife from the clutches of a demon.
Light show regulars are not falling behind, either, with the National Museum serving up a visual feast with the whimsical Keep Dreaming and Armenien Museum with Peranakan-inspired S.C.U.L.P.T.
Tropicana by The Electric Canvas
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: Stamford Court Clock
Admission: Free
The Legend of Ramayana by Spectaculaires
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Banyan Tree
Admission: Free
Keep Dreaming by Spectaculaires
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Facade
Admission: Free
Aspiring photographers, you have a whole slew of installations just waiting for you to test out your skills. Home in to Work In Progress by Asylum, a constantly changing light structure with edgy beats that’ll have you itching to dance.
Neon photo ops ahead! Yes, In:Sight at SMU Green is bound to draw the Instagrammers in droves for its colourful frames and #hype potential.
Photo tip: Step out of the frame and angle your legs towards the camera. They’ll look like they go on for days.
Work-In-Progress by Asylum
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: National Design Centre, Atrium, Level 1
Admission: Free
Symbiote by LiteWerkz
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: Stamford Road Walkway
Admission: Free
In:Sight by Tran Tuan Cong, Alison Poon & Sansys Collective
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: SMU Campus Green
Admission: Free
Enter this dome and you’ll be transported to a whole new world. Aptly named Project:Dome, you’ll be treated to screenings on the ceiling, all on the comfort of beanbags.
The 5 shows here are on loop and showcase different themes. We loved The Land Above for its abstract representation of a celestial world, while any millennial is bound to love OCISLY, with emojis rolling around above us.
Project: Dome
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: SMU Campus Green
Admission: Free
Climate change is a pretty hot-button issue nowadays – just look at SG’s recent National Day rally. But in case it hasn’t hit home on how important the matter is, Intergalatic Dreams by Jahan Loh will wake up your idea by depicting alternative homes should the earth become inhospitable in future.
And if you need further insight into this beyond our sunny island, check out Collapse! By Luc Jacquiet which explores global warming and how that results in glaciers and icebergs falling apart way up in the South Pole.
Intergalactic Dreams by Jahan Loh
Date and Time: 8th August – 8th September: 10AM – 7PM (extended to 10PM from 25th – 28th Aug, and to 12AM on festival weekends)
Venue: National Museum of Singapore, various locations
Admission: Free
Collapse!
Date and Time: 8th August – 8th September: 10AM – 7PM (extended to 10PM from 25th – 28th Aug, and to 12AM on festival weekends)
Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Gallery 10
Admission: Free
“Dance like nobody’s watching” goes the saying, but what about dancing beside a busy street? Well, throw caution to the wind at Disco Walkway, which has catchy tunes and lighted panels that’ll have you groovin’.
Disco Walkway by Aux Media Group
Date and Time: 23rd – 31st August: 7.30PM -12AM
Venue: Stamford Road Walkway
Admission: Free
To be honest, we had a hard time picking our favourites for Singapore Night Fest 2019. That’s how mind-boggling and extensive the programmes and lights were. Besides the above to check off, there will even be roving performances, festival villages and guided tours to round it all up.
Whatever it is, we’re sure the festival will have you staying way up into the wee hours of the night. Now, ready your cameras and see you there!
Photography by: Huy Pham
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