Trek across the little nooks and crannies of neighborhoods you may not be so familiar with at the 14th edition of the Singapore Heritage Festival. More than 110 programmes are up for participation over three weekends, including the brand new ‘SHF Takes Over!’ that takes you to Caldecott Broadcast Centre; as well as programmes around Little India, Bukit Pasoh and the Singapore River.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to do, between the usual crowd pleasers and new activities, here are some highlights.
Caldecott Broadcast Centre
Apr 28-May 1 & May 5-7, various timings
So you’ve always wanted to take a peek behind the scenes of of your favourite Mediacorp dramas? Well, here’s your chance. There’s so much going on over two weekends — from a TV50 exhibition on Singapore’s broadcasting history since the ’60s to an entertaining lip sync green screen for superstar wannabes to deliver performances of theme songs from local drama serials. Plus, shop your way through a vintage festival village with flea markets, catch reruns of local TV shows, or even follow Mediacorp artistes as they take you on a tour around the site while they regale personal stories.
Singapore Zoo
Apr 28-May 14 (weekends only), 10am-4pm
On the ‘Old is Gold Family Trail’, animal lovers will find out more about zoo darlings Inuka the polar bear, Komali the Asian elephant, Omar the white tiger and Astove the giant tortoise. Admission fees to the zoo apply.
Eurasian Heritage Bus Tour
Apr 29-30 & May 6-7, 13-14, 5pm-7pm
Hosted by the Eurasian Association, this bus tour ($10/pax) brings you from St Joseph’s Church to Singapore Art Museum (the old St Joseph’s Institution, Singapore’s oldest Catholic boys’ school) to learn about the Eurasians’ contributions to Singapore.
Little India
May 6-7 & May 13-14, various timings
Campbell Lane gets decked out with street art inspired by floral patterns and Indian textile motifs, as well as a colorful art installations of stylized sarees. If you’re feeling hungry, sign up for the food trails with celeb chefs, then head back to Campbell Lane for puppet performances and theatrical productions.
Bukit Pasoh
May 10, various timings
Who doesn’t love a good street party? This one spotlights the vibrant culture of Chinatown with puppetry performances, lion dance showcases, calligraphy sessions, movie screenings, guided tours and more.
Singapore River
May 12-13, various timings
At the Asian Civilisations Museum, explore exhibitions like Museum of Eating (about the act of eating) and I Was Here (inspired by Empress Place Food Centre), or watch performances influenced by food stories and migratory cultures by the Singapore River.
Singapore Heritage Festival 2017 is on from Apr 28-May 14 at various locations. Free admission (unless specified); registration required for selected events.
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