Singapore River Festival 2016 is back with a wave of bigger acts compared with last year, celebrating the vibrant culture and lifestyle along the Singapore River precinct.
This year the festival theme is River Connections, which was inspired by the fact that the Singapore River has both a literal and metaphorical connection with Singapore. While explaining the theme, Michelle Koh, executive director of Singapore River One (SRO), said: "from bank to bank, quay to quay, people to people, past to present" the river has it all.
Koh added that the event will play up this theme through heritage, arts, music, food and lifestyle offerings. This year the festival started with the first tightrope performance above the Singapore River for the opening act, titled 'Crossings'. The act was performed by a French couple and their group, Underclouds Cie. They performed the original production inspired and conceived by the story of the Singapore River itself.
"We had a good festival last year. As the place-maker of the Singapore River, having an iconic marquee signature event would help visitors and people recognise and connect to the place," Koh told Today Online.
"We felt the Singapore River Festival was a fitting event to bring back annually to the precinct to inject excitement, activity and festive revelry to showcase the lifestyle offerings along the Singapore River," she added.
The other performances include both international and local performers alike, such as Spanish theatrical troupe La Fura dels Baus's human net installation. In this act participating Singaporeans were suspended over the Singapore River.
Visitors will be entranced by a series of other enjoyable experiences as the river will be buzzing with activities organized for all ages to partake in. Street festival, multi-sensory acrobatic acts, face-painting, chalkboard art and many other things are there for the festival goers.
The event also has Singapore River (SR) Signatures featuring 21 winning dishes which will are selected by four local celebrity chefs. Some of the restaurants are also running special promotions on these dishes during the festival.
Interested people can find out more details about Singapore River Festival 2016 on their official website www.srf.sg.
Event schedule
Crossings by Underclouds Cie: On November 4 and 5 from 8 pm and 9.30 pm at Read Bridge, Clarke Quay. Performers will be walking on a pair of tightrope above the Singapore River under the stars.
Circular Spectacular: On November 5 from 3 pm to 10 pm at Circular Road, Boat Quay. This event includes face-painting and chalkboard art and others. You can drop by The Barter Market to have a fun time.
Silent Disco: On November 4 and 5 from 8.30 pm to 12.30 am at Clarke Quay Fountain Square.
Riverfront Carnival: On November 5 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Clarke Quay Central. The event includes acrobatic acts, bubble performances and other dazzling shows.
Quayside Cinema: On November 5 from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm, Robertson Quay Quayside. The popular local film "7 Letters" will be screened by the quay.
Kids Yoga by the River: On November 5 from 4 pm at 60 Robertson Quay (open area beside Oyster Bar and Grill Wharf). Registration is required for this event. Participants can register at http://urbanremedyriverkidsyoga.peatix.com/.
