Singapore's annual Food Festival this year has a record 55 food events. For the first time, the Singapore Food Festival (SFF) will extend beyond the city centre to housing estates such as Tampines, Pasir Ris and Jurong, to reach more local food lovers.
The nine-year old event, which opens on March 28 at Parco Bugis Junction, will run until April 30 to celebrate Singapore's national pastime: eating. This event has come a long way from the 10 events held at the inaugural SFF in 1994. The current number of events organised for this year's SFF stands at 55 and is supported by 40 partners and more than 41 venues.
The SFF is co-organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd (CEMS). SFF 2002 marks the first time that a partner has been brought in to co-organise the event. This is very much in line with STB's objective to outsource the management of events to the private sector. Under this new arrangement the STB would focus more on creating new events and marketing these overseas.
To set the tone, SFF's opening at Parco Bugis Junction - Food Fantasy in the Park - will showcase some of the best and most exquisite international and local cuisine.
A diverse range of delicacies set in the backdrop of a mini tropical rainforest combines the best of cuisine with innovative themes. There will be more than 30 food stalls in the different zones. The International Platter will present cuisine from around the world. At the Local And Heritage, there will be a sampling of Singapore's favourite local delights. The Hot & Spicy is a must for all chilli lovers. Those with a sweet tooth will not want to miss the Sweet Sensation corner for a selection of desserts, pastries, snacks and more. For those who can enjoy more food, there is the BBQ Savoury section and the Wine and Beer Extravaganza.
To complete the experience, there will also be non-stop entertainment programmes including cooking demonstrations, food competitions, live band performances, and DJs from Power 98 FM and Dongli 88.3 FM.
Mr Heng Chee How, Mayor for Central Singapore District, will be the Guest-of-Honour at the opening celebrations. The Central Singapore Community Development Council (CS CDC) will be organising the Central Singapore Food & Heritage Trail, which showcases the food and heritage of the Central Singapore District. This is the first time that the CS CDC is involved in SFF and as a Principal Supporter.
" We are very pleased to be part of the Singapore Food Festival and to bring this annual event closer to our community. I am sure our residents, together with their friends and relatives will have a wonderful time discovering more about food and heritage." said Mr
Heng.
Citibank is also supporting this event by being involved as the Presenter for SFF. Mr Bill Glickert, Country Marketing Director, Global Consumer, Citibank N.A. said, "We are very delighted to be part of the Singapore Food Festival once again. Our participation at this year's festival promises a host of special gourmet programmes that will be welcomed by our Citibank Visa/MasterCard members. Certainly, this is an experience not to be missed by anyone who appreciates culinary delights".
The next four weekends in April will see different experiences for the family ranging from Asian cuisine (NTUC Lifestyle World - Downtown East) to American food and entertainment (American Jamboree) and spicy international chilli dishes (Fort Canning Park). The last weekend event will allow the sampling of traditional Chinese delights at the Chinatown Food Street.
In line with the Food Festival's aim of presenting a total food experience, creative new events have been added to the SFF event calendar to broaden the appeal of the event. New events have incorporated elements of art, beauty, chocolate, fashion, herbs, organic products, spa and traditional games in the form of workshops, food carnivals, exhibitions and even fashion shows.
Familiar favourites such as A Taste of Luxury on Eastern & Oriental Express, the award-winning Lunch with Lions, Gourmet Safari Express, A Black & White Affair - Dinner with Penguins will be back to satisfy fans of the events.
The STB's Chief Executive, Mr Yeo Khee Leng said, " Now that the Food Festival is an established event, we are confident of bringing this event into the next phase of placing Singapore as a food capital in the world."
"With CEMS' good track record and ability to garner strong industry support for this year's event, we are on track to achieving that goal." |