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The Singapore Night Festival 2024 (SNF 2024) is making its grand return to the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct for its 15th edition, promising to be bigger than ever. Taking place from 23 August to 7 September 2024, the festival will span three weekends for the first time. Organised by the National Heritage Board (NHB) and supported by Lead Sponsor Samsung Singapore, SNF will feature over 50 programmes, including projection mapping artworks, performances, Festival Villages, Night Lights installations, and partner programmes. This year’s festival aims to take attendees on a journey through the rich history of the precinct, offering a blend of educational and entertaining experiences.
Inspired by the historical significance of BBB as the birthplace of some of Singapore’s earliest schools, such as Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), St. Joseph’s Institution, and Tao Nan School, the theme for this year’s festival is the Art of Play. The festival will illuminate the precinct’s educational heritage through engaging and immersive artworks that explore the concept of play and childhood. These experiences aim to bring BBB’s history to life in an interactive and participative manner.
Since its inception, SNF has been a pivotal platform in fostering the growth of Singapore’s arts and heritage scene. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including local and regional artists and BBB partners, the festival has become a cornerstone of cultural expression in Singapore. This year, attendees will have an extra weekend to explore the offerings throughout the precinct, including new spots like GR.iD, which will host a late-night Festival Village, and Bugis Street Art Lane, a new site for Night Lights artwork. Additionally, SNF will feature four Festival Villages, each with a unique identity, providing vibrant communal hubs for festival-goers. This expansion is made possible by the strong support of over 60 SNF partners.
Festival Director David Chew expressed his excitement about the festival’s return, highlighting the theme of play, childhood, and nostalgia. He noted that the BBB precinct, with its rich educational history, provides the perfect backdrop for these themes. With more Festival Villages, new artwork locations, and interactive installations, the festival aims to immerse attendees in the experience while reflecting on the role of nostalgia and heritage in today’s world.
One of the highlight acts of Singapore Night Festival 2024 is Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia, presented by local contemporary artist Sam Lo (a.k.a SKL0). This captivating experience reimagines the magic of 1950s amusement parks in Singapore, inviting visitors to ponder the balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity. Wonder World will feature rides, game stalls, nostalgic trades, and even a wrestling ring, where unique performances blend wrestling and poetry. Visitors can also commemorate their visit at the Meritocratic Gift Shop or enjoy quirky experiences at The Bizarre Bazaar, which reimagines trades of the past for modern consumers.
The Night Lights installations will once again transform everyday spaces around the BBB precinct with 10 site-specific luminous installations inspired by the concept of play. At Stamford Arts Centre, The Happiest Days of Our Lives by Rizman Putra will evoke childhood nostalgia with images from the 60s to the 90s. Bugis Street Art Lane will feature Delulu High by Pop Glitterfreak Collective, transforming tough school memories into a vibrant and reflective haven.
Regional artists, including Thai interactive installation artist KIMBAB:), will also contribute to SNF. KIMBAB:)’s Fortune Beads at Funan Mall is an immersive installation inspired by the abacus, engaging audiences in a thrilling race against time. Aesop will present Scents of Being at the National Design Centre, a multisensory experience exploring the connection between scent and self.
Singapore Night Festival 2024 will see the return of projection mapping installations, showcasing a blend of nostalgia, imagination, and creativity. The Peranakan Museum will host a projection mapping work for the first time, featuring a co-created piece by regional artists celebrating Peranakan communities. CHIJMES will come alive with works from the SNF Projection Masterclass, led by multimedia digital artist Shakir (a.k.a Grasshopper).
This year, SNF introduces four Festival Villages, each with its own character. The late-night Festival Village at GR.iD will transform into an interactive playground with an escape room experience and beer garden. The other villages include SMU Arts Fest 2024: PLAY at SMU Campus Green, Festival Village at CHIJMES, and PIXEL PARADISE at Armenian Street. Each village will feature Night Lights, performances, and diverse food experiences.
Singapore Night Festival 2024 will include various “mini-festivals” and programmes by BBB stakeholders. Highlights include a Xinyao Singalong at Bras Basah Complex and the Voices of Singapore Festival, celebrating creativity and heritage through concerts, singalongs, and a cappella performances. The #WaterlooStKakis collective returns with Waterloo Street Stories 2024: Interplay, featuring dynamic cultural performances and interactive experiences.
Lead Sponsor Samsung introduces its Galaxy AI and latest Galaxy Z Series to elevate the festival experience. Festival-goers can enjoy a 20% discount on Wonder World tickets with Samsung Wallet and participate in music performances by local artists, presented in collaboration with TikTok Music.
SNF 2024, running from 23 August to 7 September 2024, offers free admission with selected ticketed programmes available for purchase. For more details, visit Singapore Night Festival. This year’s festival promises to be a memorable journey through the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, inviting all to explore and celebrate the Art of Play.
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