The sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year enliven the waters of Marina Bay from 17 to 28 February as the River Hongbao returns to celebrate the Year of the Goat.
With a carnival atmosphere, the River Hongbao features displays of Chinese Zodiac animals, an 18-metre tall God of Fortune, and icons of Singapore from the past to celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday.
With more than 60 of them found at the River Hongbao, these light up into colourful lanterns once the sun goes down, setting The Float@Marina Bay awash in a blaze of colour in the evening.
A highlight of the lantern display is a SG50 mural that proudly displays milestones in Singapore’s past 50 years.
There is also a Merdeka Bridge display that you can walk on, complete with stone lions flanking the bridgeheads.
Represented among the lanterns are Singapore’s heritage playgrounds such as the Dragon Playground at Toa Payoh and Pelican playground that used to stand at Dover Road.
If these get the kids itching to play, they can head over to a slide in the form of the Elephant playground at Pasir Ris.
Taking to the stage throughout the 12-day event will also be community singers, professional troupes, and various themed nights including Youth Night, Xin Yao Night and Family Night. There will also tight-rope walking performances by Guinness World Record holders Adili Wuxor and Abulaiti-Maijun from The Acrobatic Troupe of Xinjiang China.
A food street adds to the carnival atmosphere and fare on sale includes everything from Ramly burgers to BBQ squid, kueh tutu and even durians. There is even chicken rice, laksa and more for those looking for heartier fare.
Amusement ride operator Uncle Ringo has also set up more than 25 amusement park rides and game stalls, adding to the carnival atmosphere.
For a unique souvenir of your visit to River Hongbao, you can send a loved one a postcard, stamped with a Zodiac stamp, at the SingPost booth.
Now into its 29th year, River Hongbao 2015! is jointly presented by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Singapore Press Holdings, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Tourism Board and People’s Association.
DETAILS
River Hongbao 2015
The Float @ Marina Bay
17 to 28 February 2015
2 pm to 11 pm daily
Free Admission
www.riverhongbao.sg
