Singapore's Skyline adds Sparkle to National Day Celebrations this August

As part of this year's National Day celebrations, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) are spearheading an initiative to illuminate Singapore's skyline. Close to 40 buildings in the Civic District and Marina Bay will extend their buildings' facade lights until midnight everyday for the month of August.

In addition, all bridges along the Singapore River will be lit and for the first time, 10 riverboats fitted with enhanced lighting will ply the river, creating higher visibility of waterway features. The reflective lighting and illuminating effect will no doubt add vibrancy to the river, which has been a cornerstone in the development of Singapore as a nation.

This initiative aims to liven up the spirit of Singapore residents and visitors as the nation comes together to celebrate Singapore's 38th birthday. Some of the buildings involved in this light-up include OUB Centre, the Singapore Cricket Club, The Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay and The Fullerton Singapore. Both Singapore residents and visitors can enjoy a month of spectacular visuals of Singapore's magnificent night skyline.

The Civic District's participation lends a great significance to the National Day light-up as it is a symbol of Singapore's heritage. Housing some of Singapore's most valuable buildings and monuments including the City Hall, the Supreme Court, Victoria Theatre and the Asian Civilisations Museum, these buildings serve as a reminder to Singaporeans that the District was once the hub of historical Singapore. Today, the District remains as Singapore's civic hub, with new cultural facilities and commercial centres sprouting up in the area.

The National Day light-up of the Civic District is an extension to the URA's Civic District Lighting Master Plan introduced to in guide building owners on all aspects of facade lighting. This plan has been successful in creating  Singapore's image as a vibrant night city so as to leave a more lasting impression on overseas visitors. URA's Chief Planner and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Physical Planning and Conservation & Urban Design) Mrs Koh-Lim Wen Gin said, "The lighting master plan has been instrumental in bringing out the distinctiveness of the Civic District's landmark buildings in the night. It will certainly add to the celebrative mood of National Day when these wonderful buildings are lit for longer hours."

The STB's Director for Sightseeing and Attractions, Mr Chang Chee Pey, said: "Illuminating Singapore's night skyline will definitely add colour to a visitor's  experience during their stay in Singapore. We are heartened to see the swift involvement of major building owners to make this initiative possible and hope to see more coming in to make this a spectacular display annually.

The light-up is part of the National Day celebration, which also includes "Project Postcard" - a series of three specially-designed postcards featuring tourism icons and various events, which will be distributed to all Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreigners residing in Singapore to invite their overseas friends and relatives to visit the Lion City. These initiatives represent the latest phase of STB's ongoing "Singapore Roars" campaign, geared towards long-term tourism recovery. The "Singapore Roars" programme includes a six-month line-up of roaring deals and events, outstanding travel and accommodation packages, roaring "surprises" for visitors.