Celebration Singapore 2001/2002

10 November 2001 to 26 February 2002

Come Nov 10, Celebration Singapore kicks off four months of non-stop festivities that promise unforgettable good times for everyone. >From the world’s brightest Christmas Light-Up through to the Asia’s premier parade at Chingay, your holiday is sure to be charged with fun and excitement. Bask in a delightful cultural performance at Singapore River Hong Bao, shop for traditional treats at festive bazaars and be entertained by international buskers as you dine under the stars. With so many festivals and events just waiting to happen, join us and make your dream holiday come true.

This fact sheet gives a brief description of the festive celebrations, events and special promotions that are scheduled to take place in Singapore from Nov 2001 to Feb 2002 under the Celebration Singapore campaign. You can use it to plan your days and make the most of your visit to this lively, cosmopolitan city. We wish you a happy stay in Singapore and hope that the campaign will make your trip more enjoyable.

Festive Celebrations

Deepavali Light-Up

27 Oct - 25 Nov 2001 Little India 7pm onwards

Experience the radiance of Deepavali or Festival of Lights as Little India transforms itself with an explosion of lights, sounds and energy. Stretches of Serangoon Road and Campbell Lane come alive with temples brilliantly illuminated and shops dressed in their festive best in a bid to win the Best Decorated Shophouse Award. Stroll around the Festival Village* to shop for the best of Indian delicacies, try an intricately designed henna tattoo or simply bask in the hive of activities. Look out for the special street procession on 9 Nov that will feature performances from the various Indian ethnic groups.

*Festival Village takes place from 29 Oct to 14 Nov 2001.

Hari Raya Light-Up 11 Nov - 23 Dec 2001 Geylang Serai 7pm onwards

Join our Muslim friends as they prepare to mark the completion of Ramadan with their unique observances and festivities. It is when the normally bustling Geylang Serai, a traditionally Malay heartland, transforms itself into a fairyland of rainbow brightness. Weeks before the big day, Muslim families throng to the night market for new curtains, traditional clothes, cookies and other festive goodies. Children dash happily to the fairground while adults bargain-hunt at makeshift stalls and colourful carts.

Christmas Light-Up 17 Nov 2001 - 5 Jan 2002 Orchard Road and various venues 7pm onwards

Witness the transformation of Orchard Road into a brilliant curtain of Aurora. Right on cue every evening, Orchard Road will be magically illuminated by a colourful spectrum of lights. Shopping takes on a festive mood as malls deck themselves in Yuletide's finest to vie for the Best Decorated Building title. The angelic voices of carollers will lend the perfect note to the season of joy and goodwill.

Celebration Tree @ Orchard

7 Dec 2001 – 1 Jan 2002

Orchard Park (next to Orchard MRT station) 10am onwards

To complement the Christmas celebration atmosphere, Orchard Road comes alive with the singing Christmas Tree. Witness the spectacular moment of the Christmas Tree’s light up. Also treat yourself to nightly performances, such as Christmas caroling, musical and dance performances, which both the young and old can enjoy. A unique highlight is the MAD movement, designed to “Make a Difference” (MAD) in people’s lives, inspire volunteerism and active citizens in Singapore. The celebrations escalate to a grand finale with the New Year Countdown on Dec 31.

Lunar New Year Light-Up

26 Jan - 26 Feb 2002

Chinatown 7pm onwards

Celebrate the arrival of Spring in Chinatown! Head down to the goodie-packed bazaar, soak up the festivities, and enjoy the brilliant lights amidst a sea of eye-catching decorations. Stop at one of the many stalls to feast on mouth-watering traditional delights such as barbecued sweet meats and waxed ducks or catch a cultural performance. It's an experience not to be missed.

Flower Garden Fair 2002

26 Jan – 11 Feb 2002

Albert Mall 11.30am - 8pm

To usher the Lunar New Year, the widest range of tropical flowering plants and seasonal fresh blooms along with stalls selling exotic birds can be found at the biggest flower market in Singapore. Lit up in festive lights, the market will also sell decorative flowers and gardening accessories. A myriad of activities and events will entertain all visitors - Flower Arrangement Contest, Songbird Singing Competition (with over 500 participating birds), Flower Arrangement Demonstrations and Cultural Performances by arts groups. A treat for all flora enthusiasts.

Singapore River Hong Bao

8 - 17 Feb 2002

Marina Promenade 11am - 11pm

As part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, Chinese culture takes special focus. Featuring the Year of the Horse as its theme, River Hong Bao 2002 is a riverside carnival that promises to be a happy blend of food, folk-art and folklore. Enjoy breathtaking performances by supple acrobats from China as well as entertainment provided by local artistes. Catch the fireworks display* on the opening night and New Year’s Eve, while you shop for quaint calligraphic scrolls, hand-carved seals and ‘dragon’s beard’ candy at the carnival.

* to be confirmed

Chingay 2002

16 Feb 2002

City Hall to Suntec City 5pm - 6.30pm

Witness the amazing street procession of multicultural and multinational dimensions in the 30th Chingay Parade. Nostalgic elements such as firecrackers and lion dances will be featured along with more contemporary performances reflecting the latest in fashion and music for the young and trendy. Also making its debut is modern Japanese jazz-dance accompanied by traditional daiko rhythms. Experience the raw energy from a 500-member group comprising Kompang, Bhangra, Xno Samba and Ethno drums. Dancers from various ethnic groups will showcase Singapore's ethnic diversity with their unique choreography – a definite must see!

Events

Fabulous Fabergé

Objets d'art from The Forbes Magazine Collection, New York

26 Sep - 25 Nov 2001

Singapore Art Museum

9am - 6pm daily except Mon

For the very first time, the renowned Forbes Magazine Fabergé collection is travelling to Asia. Discover the genius of the House of Fabergé through this exhibition, featuring 63 Fabergé objets d'art. Each of the celebrated Faberge eggs is a masterpiece enclosing a series of suprises inside. Expect to see 4 of the famed Romanov Imperial Easter eggs, including the First Imperial Easter Egg commissioned by Alexander III for the Tsarina in 1885. For more information, call Singapore Art Museum at tel: (65) 332 3222.

Sacred Threads: Ceremonial Textiles of SEAsia

9 Nov 2001 – 31 March 2002

Asian Civilisations Museum

This exhibition will showcase a selection of textiles, costumes, ceremonial objects and other paraphernalia used and worn during ceremonies, rites and rituals within the traditional societies and cultures of South East Asia. It aims to educate audiences on the mystical powers of design motifs and patterns, its status and significance of such “woven symbolism” to their makers and wearers.

Theatre Fest 2001

15 Nov - 15 Dec 2001

Guinness Theatre, The Substation

Local and foreign emerging theatre companies are set to excite and surprise with their line-up of works in this year's Theatre Fest. Dedicated to encouraging and exploring new directions in the theatre scene, the month-long event promises theatre-goers a treat for the senses. Keep a lookout for the works of two promising Singaporean theatre companies - Theatre Naga-Naga and the Small Theatre. For more information, call The Substation at tel: (65) 337 7535.

Singapore River Buskers' Festival™ 2001

17 Nov - 25 Nov 2001

Singapore River at One Fullerton, Clarke Quay, Robertson Walk, UE Square & The Quayside

6.30pm - 10.30pm

Dining out takes on a whole new aspect as this funfest for all ages gets underway! Catch the fascinating antics of top international street acts as they juggle, mime and generally out-perform themselves for your entertainment alongside the many alfresco eateries of the Singapore River. Get in on the performance at one of our buskers' workshops, and don't miss the Buskers' Parade at Clarke Quay on the first night of the festival or the Buskers' Late Night Madness Bash at Zouk on 23 Nov from 11pm till late. The festival closes with a big bang with a Street Carnival at The Quayside promenade from 12-5pm and a Buskers Charity Walk. For more information call tel: (65) 250 7977.

Touchdown Sentosa!

17 Nov - 31 Dec 2001

Sentosa

Revel in the glitz and glamour as Sentosa presents its annual year-end celebrations at Touchdown Sentosa! Witness acts of dare-devilry involving the elements of water, earth and air. For over six weeks, stuntmen from several countries will demonstrate high-diving acts, skating and balancing prowess! Evenings promise to be spiced up with the exotic as people from all over the world gather to bring you the best times amidst the splendour of Singapore's holiday isle's many exciting venues. For more information, please call hotline at tel: 1800-736 8672 (toll free in Singapore only)

Elton John - A Journey Through Time

22 Nov 2001

Singapore Indoor Stadium 8pm

Tickets at SGD76, SGD100, SGD141 & SGD196 are available through SISTIC, tel: (65) 348 5555.

Elton John - A Journey Through Time will feature Sir Elton playing solo, his 34 years of incredible hits. It also coincides with the release of his latest album "Songs From The West Coast" which celebrates the reunification of the artiste with his songwriting partner of many years, Bernie Taupin. This will be Sir Elton's 40th album to date and will see life long album sales exceeding 150 millions. Watch Elton John - Live In Singapore!

ZoukOut 2001

24 Nov 2001

Tanjong Beach, Sentosa

6pm onwards

The return of the Singapore’s very own phenomenal dance music festival, Ibiza style. With a more kaleidoscopic variety of music styles ranging from Techno to House to Retro, Sentosa’s idyllic beaches will be transformed into a clubber’s wonderland. Alongside the music tents, there will be chill-out areas, make-up and body-painting centers. Be prepared for 13 hours of ‘carnival-esque’ performance and electrifying atmosphere for the region’s most definitive dance music festival. For ticket sales and other information, call (65) 738 2988.

19th Singapore River Regatta

24 - 25 Nov 2001

Singapore River

1pm – 6pm

Amid the pulsating drumbeats and brawny muscles, crowds cheer as boats with dragon-shaped prows skim swiftly over the waters. Head down for some fun in the sun as more than 100 teams take to the Singapore River to compete in the action-packed regatta. The day promises to be highly-charged, with the potent combination of intense competition and hypnotic drumbeats.

Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal

26 Nov - 27 Nov 2001

Kallang Theatre 8pm

Tickets at SGD20, SGD30, SGD40 and SGD50 are available through SISTIC, tel: (65) 348 5555

Directed by internationally renowned dancer Louis Robitaille since 1998, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal is set to enthral Singapore with its effervescence and artistic liberty. Employing techniques as disparate as classical ballet, modern dance and jazz, the company has won the hearts of almost 2 million spectators in 58 countries. Today, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, with its legendary dynamism, has established themselves as interpreters par excellence of the freshest trends in contemporary dance.

Tiger 5s

27 Nov - 2 Dec 2001

Singapore Indoor Stadium 4pm

Adult Season: SGD28 (Tue - Fri)

Adult Daily: SGD8 (Tue - Sat), SGD10 (Sun)

Child Season: SGD10 (Tue - Fri)

Child Daily: SGD3 (Tue - Sun)

Tickets are available through SISTIC, tel: (65) 348 5555

Soccer fans, pack your gear and get ready for a treat as the Tiger World 5s kick off a heart-stopping and adrenaline-pumping week of futsal (five-a-side) matches in a frenzied atmosphere of cheering and flag waving. The line-up of teams include top soccer nations such as Spain, Brazil, Holland, Italy, Iran, Egypt, Costa Rica, Australia, China, Thailand, Japan and Singapore. Don't miss this opportunity to witness your favourite players in action!

Porgy and Bess

28 Nov - 30 Nov 2001

Kallang Theatre 8pm

Tickets at SGD40, SGD60, SGD80, SGD100 and SGD120 are available through SISTIC, tel: (65) 348 5555

Playing to standing ovations and worldwide acclaim for over 300 performances on four continents, the powerful Gershwin musical of Porgy and Bess is set to wow the crowd here. Produced by Peter Klein/Living Arts Inc, the performance features a full cast of soloists, chorus and orchestra direct from New York. Today, Porgy and Bess is recognised as a masterpiece, entwining pride, prejudice, pathos and passion with a heartwarming and memorable score. Be sure to experience the magnificence that stunned and enthralled music and drama critics alike.

The Straits Times Million Dollar Duck Race

2 Dec 2001

Singapore River

12pm – 5pm

Have a splashing good time as you cheer thousands of yellow rubber duckies sporting cool black shades to the finishing line. These cute baby duckies are racing to do their bit for charity. You can too - simply adopt a duck for SGD10, and win a cool SGD1 million if your duck turns out to be a red one that finishes first in the race. While the heat is on in the water, let buskers tickle your funny bone or grab a bite at the carnival by the riverside.

Singapore ExxonMobil International Marathon 2001

2 Dec 2001

Tampines Stadium to Padang 6am

If physical endurance is your forte, take part in the only marathon that is on the equator! Pit yourself against seasoned athletes from Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, China and Germany or go for your personal best in the 42 kilometre marathon route through a mixture of suburban and urban landscape into the city. Register now at SGD10 through the Singapore Amateur Athletic Association, tel: (65) 284 2721.

The Nutcracker

5 Dec - 9 Dec 2001

Kallang Theatre 8pm

Tickets at SGD18, SGD24, SGD30, SGD36 and SGD42 are available through SISTIC, tel: (65) 348 5555

There is no better ballet than The Nutcracker to ring in the spirit of Christmas! Choreographed by the late Singapore-born Anthony Then, with music by Peter Illyich Tchaikosky, this production of The Nutcracker is a full-length classical ballet performance starring children as young as 7 years old. For an enthralling evening, be sure to catch The Nutcracker with its universal theme of Christmas Eve and children growing up among adults.

Nokia Singapore Art 2001

8 Dec 2001 – 3 Feb 2002

Various Venues


With an exciting new theme of Histories/ Identities/ Technologies/ Spaces (HITS): Singapore Art Today, the biennial Nokia Singapore Art 2001 returns this December in celebration of the diversity of visual art practices and a display the latest contemporary art developments in Singapore. This year’s festival promises an engaging experience, bringing to you a series of exhibitions hosted within an arts precinct bounded by Waterloo Street, the Singapore River and the Esplanade waterfront in venues of historical interest such as the Singapore Art Museum, the Singapore Calligraphy Centre and MITA Building’s ARTrium. New on this year are the outdoor exhibitions and a cyberart component!


Judah Ben-Hur, The Musical

22 Dec 2001 - 12 Jan 2002

University Cultural Centre

Evening 8pm & Matinee 3pm

Tickets at SGD40, SGD70 & SGD100 for Matinee shows and SGD50, SGD80 & SGD120 for Evening shows are available through TicketCharge, tel: (65) 296 2929.

Originally a classic novel, then adapted to a record-breaking Broadway play and the most award-winning film in history, the legend of Ben-Hur now comes to the stage as Judah Ben-Hur, The Musical. Spectacular sets, masterful dancing, delightful comedy, haunting melodies and lyrics are all produced by an award winning cast and creative team assembled from Hollywood, Broadway and London’s West End! Witness the theatrical experience of a lifetime in the defining scene as Ben-Hur and his nemesis, Mesalla, battle for revenge and honor in the death defying chariot race!

INSTINCT

24 Dec 2001

Sentosa Amphitheatre

12pm onwards

All dressed up and nowhere to go this Christmas Eve? Head down to Sentosa Amphitheatre for a great party. Get ready for 18 solid hours of infamous musical genre-pot-pourri featuring live bands and DJs churning out Acid Jazz, Bossa Nova, Ambient, Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop, Rap to Drum & Bass, Punk, Rock, Heavy Metal, Indie, Emo, Experimental to Trance and Techno, right down to Christmas musical favorites. Come on down and party as you’ve never partied before! For ticketing information, please call hotline at tel: 1800-736 8672 (toll free in Singapore only)

Countdown 2002

31 Dec 2001

Sentosa and NTUC Lifestyle World – Downtown East

At Singapore's very own resort island, bid the old year adieu at the Sentosa NYE Dance Carnival 2001. Join the exhilarating atmosphere as artistes from all over the world bring in the New Year to the pulsating rhythms of a wide selection of techno-electronic music. Party till dawn and catch the first sunrise of 2002 on Siloso Beach amidst the natural beauty of a truly tropical island. For ticketing information, please call hotline at tel: 1800-736 8672 (toll free in Singapore only)

At Downtown East, “Party on Singapore” features the best of local talent at Singapore’s largest outdoor disco. Be amazed by the vocal prowess of Stella Ng, a rising star in the regional music scene. Dance the night away to a kaleidoscope of coloured lights and at the stroke of midnight, witness a cascade of 6,000 balloons, showers of confetti and breathtaking pyrotechnics show. With non-stop action happening on two stages, you can enjoy 360 degrees of fun at “Party On Singapore”!


Sitar Music of Anoushka Shankar

17 - 18 Jan 2002

Victoria Concert Hall 8pm

Tickets at SGD40, SGD60, SGD80 and SGD100 are available through SISTIC, tel: (65) 348 5555

At the age of 20, Anoushka Shankar has shown herself to be a unique artist with immense talent and understanding of the great musical tradition of India. Trained completely by her father and legendary sitar virtuoso and composer, Ravi Shankar, Anoushka is poised to carry forward her father’s legacy as one of the most creative and influential figures in the music world. In addition to her regular performances with her father, Anoushka recently toured the UK with her own ensemble, which included her solo London debut. This is a charity concert in aid of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society and Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

CGU Asian Bowling Tour Grand Slam Finals

17 - 20 Jan 2002

It's finally here! Witness the final leg of this bowling competition as it rolls into high suspense! The CGU Asian Bowling Tour Grand Slam Finals concludes its Asian tour circuit in Singapore, promising an intense competition for all. A prize of USD77,000 and a chance for winners to gain entry into the US Open will see players drawing on their best skills. For more information, call ESPN Star Sports at tel: (65) 488 6500.

MTV Asia Awards

2 Feb 2002

Singapore Indoor Stadium 6pm

MTV - famous for its music awards in America and Europe – is bringing to Asia a brand new award show. The first pan-regional event of its kind in Asia, featuring the largest gathering of international and local talents will be showcased here in Singapore. Bringing recognition to the many leading talents of youth culture, MTV Asia will present nineteen different awards during the show, including ten favourite music artist awards from Asia, six international music category awards and one inspirational award. As a true reflection of the tastes of Asian audience, viewers will vote the winners of all award categories, except the inspirational award. Be prepared for a night of fabulous music and entertainment galore from the music industry.

River Raft Race 2002

2 Feb 2002 . 9am – 5pm

3 Feb 2002 . 9am – 2pm

Singapore River

The Singapore River Raft Race, organised by the Singapore Polytechnic for the 14th year, is one fun event where anything goes. Anything that can be recycled - plastic bottles, cans, bamboo, coconuts, tyres, brooms, and rickety furniture - can be used to build rafts. Participants who are mostly youths from tertiary institutions, uniform groups, schools and international schools paddle their quirky rafts along the 100-metre course on the Singapore River at Clarke Quay. It's all about creativity, adventure and sport. Watch around 100 rafts battle it out, for at stake are two main titles - The Fastest Raft and The Most Innovative Raft.

Special Promotions

Singapore’s visitors may enjoy the special promotions which will only be valid from 10 Nov 2001 to 26 Feb 2002. For more information, please may pick up a Celebration Singapore brochure from the Changi Airport Arrival Halls or the Singapore Visitors Centres.

(a) Shop Tax-Free During Celebration Singapore and Win!

Go on a shopping spree! As visitors to Singapore, you can shop tax-free. What’s more, from 10 Nov 2001 to 26 Feb 2002, you stand to win the following fabulous prizes in a sure-win instant dip and a lucky draw when you get your GST refund at the Global Refund counter in Changi International Airport before departing Singapore.

Sure Win Instant Dip

Win $100 Aspial Jewellery or Nuance-Watson Perfumes and Cosmetics vouchers, Singapore edition Swatch watches, coffee mugs and limited edition postcards of Celebration Singapore.

Lucky Draw

First Prize

Win Back 10 Times your spend with VISA! (up to a maximum of SGD5,000)

Return air ticket to Singapore

3-nights accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

3D2N cruise package to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on board Superstar Virgo

Second Prize

An 18K timepiece watch from The Hour Glass worth SGD1,920

Return air ticket to Singapore

3-nights accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

3D2N cruise package to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on board Superstar Virgo

Third Prize

Return air ticket to Singapore

3-nights accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

3D2N cruise package to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on board Superstar Virgo

(b) Offers and Discounts from:

Night Safari - 25% off entrance fee

Jurong BirdPark - 25% off entrance fee

Singapore Zoological Gardens - 25 % off entrance fee

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Buy 1 get 1 free (valid for regular size ice blend)

Ah Hoi’s Kitchen @ Traders Hotel - 15% off ala carte menu

(c) Special City By Night Tour With Festive Light-Ups:

Brighten up your nights in Singapore with the various City By Night Tours which feature Deepavali, Hari Raya and Christmas Light-Ups as part of the itinerary, depending on your day of visit!

From 27 Oct – 16 Nov 2001, be mesmerised by the festive decorations marking the Deepavali festivities as the tour takes you through Little India. From 26 Nov – 21 Dec 2001, experience the array of activities at Geylang Serai as our Muslim friends prepare to mark the completion of Ramadan with their unique observances and festivities. From 22 Dec 2001 – 5 Jan 2002, witness the transformation of Orchard Road into a brilliant curtain of Aurora for Christmas Light-Up!

The tour includes dinner and visit to the Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s oldest and most prestigious hotel.

Frequency : Daily (Except Public Holidays)

Timing : 7pm to 10.30pm

Price : SGD43 (Adult)/SGD22 (Child)

NOTICE

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this factsheet is accurate at the time of release. However, changes to information may have occurred since its circulation. STB shall not be held liable for any damages, loss, injury or inconvenience arising in connection with the contents of this © Singapore Tourism Board 2001. All rights reserved.

Celebration Singapore 2001/2002 Calendar at a Glance