Singapore celebrates its bicentenary this year. 2019 marks the 200th year since Englishman Sir Stamford Raffles arrived on its shores. To commemorate the island’s founding, the Singapore Bicentennial Office decides to look beyond 1819, because Singapore obviously existed well before that. Instead of hosting a commemorative parade at Raffles Place with Raffles flags and Raffles figurines, the organisers have decided to inject a bit of Singaporean culture and heritage beginning 1299 into events scattered all through AD 2019.
What’s On?
From Asia’s largest sustainable light art festival to exclusive museum exhibitions, the bicentennial year is without a doubt one of the best times to visit Singapore ever. Get ready for days of cultural immersion while exploring the world-class attractions Singapore has to offer.
i Light Singapore 2019
Date: 28 Jan to 24 Feb
Venue: Marina Bay, Civic District, Singapore River, Raffles Terrace at Fort Canning Park
i Light Singapore is Asia’s largest sustainable light art festival. Get handsy at over 30 interactive installations by artists from around the world. All pieces are made with sustainable light sources and eco-friendly materials. Join in with the energy conservation efforts by turning up your air-conditioning and switching off your appliances when not in use. Be sure to charge up your phones and/or cameras for some spectacular night shots of Downtown Singapore!
Light to Night Festival 2019
Date: 28 Jan to 24 Feb
Venue: Civic District
Complementing i Light Singapore is the country’s annual urban art event, the Light to Night Festival. The Bicentennial Edition takes a nostalgic look at Singapore’s history through fresh perspectives. Reminisce about the good ol’ days without getting too schmaltzy. Enjoy a façade light show at the Civic District, attend a pitch dark concert, and get your funny bone tickled by Singaporean stand-up comedians for a trip to remember.
River Hongbao
Date: 3 Feb to 10 Feb
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
Celebrate Chinese New Year by the river with light installations and dynamic fireworks displays. Bond with your friends and family at the carnival with more than 20 rides and games, and indulge in delectable Singaporean cuisine at the food stalls. Learn about Singapore’s rise as a trading port in a junkboat replica where an exhibition titled “A Harbour and Home: The Singapore River Through Time” will be held.