“Boring” is the last word you’d use to describe this festival.
Not many people know this, but we actually have an annual festival celebrating Singapore’s heritage. Most people will assume that heritage is only about history and black and white photos, but that’s where they’re wrong.
The state-sponsored Singapore Heritage Festival (SHF) held at the end of April is actually a carefully curated event to broaden the public’s awareness and understanding of our heritage. From guided heritage trails to recreating aspects of the old Singaporean life, it’s all about celebrating decor, design and people.
Most things don’t last very long in our ever-changing city, bearing in mind Singapore’s love for urban renewal – which is where a heritage festival like this comes in handy.
While the chosen locations for past festivals have been rather standard, like Bukit Brown and Bukit Pasoh Road, this year will see another unique addition to the list.
The organizers decided to feature Caldecott Hill, where Singapore’s first radio station was established as part of the festival’s SHF Takes Over! Initiative. It’s a timely conjunction of the festival’s 14th edition as well as the broadcast centre’s 35th drama production anniversary.
While we know that Mediacorp has already shifted their headquarters to One-North, the festival still promises to feature local celebrities as well as Mediacorp’s iconic studios. It will also centre around three other venues: Little India, Bukit Pasoh and the Singapore River. We’ve rounded up what festival-goers can expect at each of the locations.
Caldecott Hill
Expect a tour of the usually inaccessible spaces in Caldecott Hill and revisit popular and iconic studios, by industry staff and celebrities.
Shuttle buses have also been arranged at pick-up points, where festival-goers will be introduced to the history and development of the hill since the 19th century.
You will also learn about the history of television broadcasting and watch well-loved dramas, variety shows and comedies. If that’s not your thing and you want some star-studded action, head for the performance by Sweeth Tooth Cake.
Titled “Studio 6”, it’s a wonderful segment where actors mimic roles in popular TV shows like The Little Nyonya and Under One Roof. Taking you back in time, the actors will also respond to the video footage of Ke Bulan, Ke Bintang – a 1984 Hari Raya special. Think YouTube’s reaction videos.
28 Apr to 1 May and 5 May to 7 May Caldecott Broadcasting Centre Free Admission
Little India
Here, the Indian Heritage Centre will be celebrating its second anniversary in conjunction with the Singapore Heritage Festival. With the theme “The Streets of Little India”, there will be colourful street art installations and murals along Campbell Lane. It will turn Campbell Lane into an art canvas where the street will be awash in vivid colors, since a showcase of sarees – draped in waves above the street – will be presented in the Sea of Sarees installation. Swap your trip to the ArtScience museum for this instead.
Other programmes include performances by dance, music, theatre and puppetry groups, as well as food trails around the streets of Little India led by Singapore celebrity chefs.
The Ramanaya Extravaganza 6 May Campbell Lane
Bukit Pasoh
Bukit Pasoh will be closed for a street party with lion dance troupes and martial arts practitioners putting up a grand show.
The Chinatown event will also feature pop-up stalls such as those from Grassroots Book Room, an independent Chinese bookstore, which will offer tikam-tikam picture books, stationery and drinks for sale.
The clans and associations along Ann Siang Road will also present a series of outdoor traditional performances, in an event initiated by the clans themselves.
Bukit Pasoh Street Party 10 May Free Admission
Singapore River
The grand finale will centre around food with hawker stalls opening by the river as a throwback to old hawker centres such as Empress Place Food Centre and Satay Club, which once stood in the area. It’ll be revived through installations and exhibitions and across the river, with the Fullerton Hotel also be holding a performance tour.
Asian Civilisation Museum 12 May to 13 May Free Admission
*The Singapore Heritage Festival begins on April 28, and runs until May 14. It kicks off with the Caldecott Broadcast Centre, and ends at the Singapore River. For a full listing of dates and events, visit their website.
Some events, such as shuttle buses to the Caldecott Broadcast centre, as well as tours, require registration, which begins on April 20 via the website.