From 2 to 29 May, The Singapore HeritageFest will return for its 19th edition. Presented by the National Heritage Board, Singapore HeritageFest 2022 will commemorate Singapore’s vibrant travel history and rich natural heritage with more than 120 on-site and online heritage experiences that visitors can try to explore the lesser-known stories of Singapore’s heritage and culture.
The focus on travel and natural heritage is especially apt 2022 also marks the 75th anniversary of Singapore Airlines, the 50th anniversary of Sentosa Development Corporation, the 50th birthday of the Merlion statue and the 10th anniversary of Gardens by the Bay.
Over 120 on-site and online heritage experiences
Visitors can expect a line-up of programmes in a hybrid format including heritage and cultural trails, hands-on workshops, video documentaries, tours, exhibitions and digital programs. The Singapore HeritageFest’s Festival Director David Chew said, “We are excited to offer more physical programmes this year compared to the past two years, and this ties in well with our festival themes of nature and travel which are best experienced in person.”
“Homeground” at the National Museum of Singapore
One onsite highlight to look for is the “Homeground” exhibit at the National Museum of Singapore’s Stamford Gallery. There, visitors will be able to see a life-sized recreation of the classic Keretapi Tanah Melayu train, which may bring many back to the days of train travel.
From the window of the train, visitors will be able to admire Singapore’s natural heritage with scenes of the Rail Corridor in the background. Homeground will also feature drop-in activities and content by students from the NAFA Youth Panel.
Singapore HeritageFest 2022 Workshops
There will also be a series of workshops and programmes to take part in such as the “Singapore’s Natural History in 3 Plants” workshop. This event consists of a tour of Fort Canning Park’s Spice Garden and a themed workshop that explores the history of Singapore’s three cash crops: coffee, pineapple and coconut.
During this workshop, participants will examine how these three crops shape the Singapore landscape and how it provides sustainable ways of living to help preserve Singapore’s natural heritage.
Meet everyday Singaporeans with unique hobbies
There is no lack of online programs that visitors can enjoy and participate in this Singapore HeritageFest 2022. One example is the “Home Museum: Collections of Travel and Natural Heritage video series”, where viewers can meet several everyday Singaporeans with unique hobbies. One such person is Jason Ang, an avid fan of Singapore Airlines. He has over 100 SIA memorabilia in his collection, many of which are limited-edition.
Singapore HeritageFest 2022 Ride & Discover Programme
The festival’s signature Ride & Discover programme will also return this year to accompany Singaporeans on their daily commute. Available at four different MRT stations, these everyday spaces will be transformed to tell the stories of Singapore landmarks that locals know and love.
The SHF 2022 programmes will be open for registration from 21 April 2022, noon. Members of the public may visit the site here for more information on the programmes, and how to register.
