Singapore Night Festival (SNF) 2024, organised by the National Heritage Board (NHB), starts this evening, illuminating the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct with over 50 programmes, including projection mappings, Night Lights installations, performances and more.
Now in its 15th edition, the Night Festival is a star of the Singapore travel and tourism calendar. Guided by the theme “Art of Play” and inspired by the historical significance of BBB as the birthplace of some of Singapore’s first schools, SNF 2024 brings festival-goers back to their childhood.
SNF 2024 Director David Chew told Connected to India, “We want people to remember the history and heritage of the schools [in Bras Basah.Bugis precinct], but also, we want to inject some fun — elements of fun, childhood, wonderment…”
From now until 7 September 2024, festival-goers can enjoy immersive experiences galore for three weekends, up from the usual two at Singapore’s largest nocturnal experience.
This year’s Highlight Act, Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia by Sam Lo “SKL0”, takes visitors back to the iconic amusement parks of Singapore’s past. Speaking to Connected to India before the start of the festival, Sam Lo “SKL0” said, “When people come to Wonder World, I really want them to have fun.” At the same time, he said, he had inserted a “little twist” in the nostalgia theme, with “Easter eggs” left around the park.
Through the artworks’ carnival rides hand-painted by SKL0, game stalls, and a series of peculiar performances, festival-goers are encouraged to play while contemplating the concept of nostalgia and how it helps instil a sense of belonging and identity amidst the pursuit of life and our dreams. Festival-goers will need to purchase tokens to enter Wonder World. Tickets may be pre-purchased via Klook or on-site.
The facade of the Peranakan Museum will be lit up for SNF for the first time as the festival presents Between Threads, a projection mapping artwork and Night Lights installation co-created by Singaporean film director Clare Chong, Jennifer O’Connor and Taufiq Hidayat. The multi-medium artwork responds to audience interaction, offering multifaceted ways of viewing the work that celebrates the intricate artistry and diverse perspectives of Peranakan communities.
“Play” takes the form of 10 Night Lights installations, including Delulu High by Pop Glitterfreak Collective at Bugis Street Art Lane, a new location for the festival. This interactive installation invites visitors to step into a reimagined school complex, featuring The Funnazium, a soft, feminine take on the typically masculine gymnasium; Disco Bus, a reimagined life-sized school bus; and Affirmation Steps, an inspiring take on the dreadful school stairwell.
Over at the National Design Centre, festival-goers can enjoy two Night Lights installations, Opera in Motion: A Dynamic Tribute to Chinese Opera《剧里箱》 by local art collective Opera in Motion and Scents of Being by Aesop.
Opera in Motion: A Dynamic Tribute to Chinese Opera 《剧里箱》brings festival-goers on a journey through the history of Chinese Opera, as they pedal a tricycle that activates a hypnotic light projection of an illustrated Chinese opera scene on the centre’s walls.
Scents of Being engages the olfactory with Aesop’s 11 mesmeric Eaux de Parfum, evoking childlike wonder and curiosity while offering moments of introspection into the intricate relationship between scent and self.
While visiting the vibrant Festival Village @ CHIJMES, guests can look forward to admiring artworks by first-time projection mapping artists Aaah, deniseardenise, Rachel (Rachodoodles), and Yanyun Chen, alongside food, drinks and eclectic music.
SNF 2024 runs from 23 August to 7 September 2024, with over 50 programmes that can be enjoyed by all. Festival-goers can also look forward to a TikTok Rising music showcase at SNF on 29 August. This showcase celebrates some of Singapore’s most exciting talents, including Haven, Jean Seizure, Josh Makazo, Nathan Hartono, Sezairi and Shazza.
With so much to experience this year, the additional weekend gives everyone a chance to fully immerse themselves in the “Art of Play”. For more information on the festival or to book tickets, visit http://go.gov.sg/sgnightfest.
