Singapore, Aug 19, 2014 - (ANTARA) - This Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown will be transformed into a picturesque floral landscape with 3,100 handcrafted flower lanterns lining the main thoroughfares of Chinatown on Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road.
Themed A Blooming Mid-Autumn, the spectacular floral street decor paints a beautiful scene with a total of six different types of flowers, including Singapore's national flower - the Orchid, and other striking blossoms like Lily, Peony, Bauhinia, Narcissus and Frangipani.
Greater support to homegrown talents
As the organising committee for the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens' Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC) aims to strengthen its commitment in engaging the youth and provide more opportunities to local artistes to showcase their creative talents through this year's line-up of events.
Dr Lily Neo, Grassroots Adviser and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC said: "Chinatown is transformed into a kaleidoscopic landscape of floral lanterns as we prepare to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. We have created plenty of opportunities during the month-long celebrations for friends and family to gather and appreciate the traditions and delightful offerings of this Chinese festival. The organising committee is also pleased to share that this year's stage performances will be largely helmed by local artistes, giving them a platform to showcase their talent while adding a modern touch to this year's festivities."
As an illustration of its commitment, the Official Opening and Light Up Ceremony, taking place on Sunday 24 August 2014, will see close to 90 per cent of the performances by Singapore's homegrown performing groups. They include famous sand artist, Ms Tan Sock Fong and local acapella group, Micapella, rhythmic water and LED drum group, the Urban Drum Crew, mystical transformation by local dancers and school students.
Mr Poh Chi Chuan, Director, Cultural Precincts & Tourism Concept Development, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "The Mid-Autumn Festival is a key event for Chinatown that draws about a million visitors each year. The exciting line-up of activities this year promises to be an immersive experience again for visitors eager to experience Singapore's unique multicultural identity and heritage. We are also heartened to see our local youths and homegrown talents involved in the celebrations as they play an important role in shaping and telling a compelling story of Chinatown to visitors and locals alike."
Record-breaking dragon dance
Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs will grace the Opening Ceremony of the Mid-Autumn Festival as the Guest-of-Honour, kick starting the month-long Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations.
The Mid-Autumn Festival 2014 will also make its mark in the Singapore Book of Records, with a record breaking dragon dance of flower-shaped lanterns that measures 28 metres, the longest ever staged locally. Crowned the 'Longest Dragon made of Cloth Flowers', the dragon dance will also be part of the performance line-up for the Opening Ceremony.
Festival highlights
Another first this year, Singapore's clan associations will be joining the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival merriments with activities to engage both their clan members as well as members of the public. Kwong Wai Siew Li Si She Shut Clan Association, Kong Chow Wui Koon and Gan Clan Singapore have organised a series of events and performances to add to the festive buzz in Chinatown.
Beautifully-lighted lanterns have always been a key element of Mid-Autumn Festival. This year, 500 children and students below the age of 16 were brought together at the annual Mid-Autumn Lantern Painting Competition that concluded over the weekend. The competition, which was held on Saturday 16 August 2014, saw the various creative masterpieces that are now on display at the Garden Bridge, and Pagoda Street in Chinatown.
Soak in the festive mood as our friendly tour guides bring you on a complimentary Heritage Walking Trail, where you will get the opportunity to learn more about the Singapore's Chinese enclave - Chinatown, which is rich in heritage and old-world charms.
Visitors on this walking trail will be treated not only to the beautiful street decor along the bustling streets in the heart of Chinatown, but also be able to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere at the Mid-Autumn Festival, Festive Street Bazaar.
For fans of Chinese cultural acts, folk songs and music and dance numbers, the Committee has also put together a Nightly Stage Show at Kreta Ayer Square during the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival period.
The festival highs will culminate at the Mass Lantern Walk on Saturday 6 September 2014. Friends and family of different nationalities and culture are invited to join in the walk led by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC. The leisure-paced walk will start at Kreta Ayer Square and end on the main street of Chinatown where the road will be closed to vehicular access for the final evening of celebrations, dazzling performances and fireworks.
With a good mix of events and activities for both the young and the old, the Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival 2014 hopes to bring everyone together to enjoy this traditional Chinese festive occasion.
Or you may visit us at:
Website: www.chinatownfestivals.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Chinatown-Festivals/186429804750588
Editor: PR Wire
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
