Arts in the Park

On its surface, Singapore can be dismissed out of hand by the weary traveler as yet another sterile and superficial Asian city, a mere shopaholic’s dream. However, this description barely scratches the surface of the soul and innovation of its people who are the product of a cultural and ethnic melting pot, shaped by the influences of all four corners of the globe. This trait is best showcased when the normally staid and orderly streets erupt in the profusion of light and color brought on by a national festival.

The Arts in the Park Festival can be said to be one of the most charismatic and vivacious of the Singaporean calendar of events. Held throughout the month of July, coinciding with the riotous Food Festival, this event features a myriad of musical and dramatic performances, arts shows and street theatre all coming to life in makeshift performance and exhibition venues formed by the city-state’s many parks and outdoor venues. Musical performances are the most appreciated type of entertainment by the masses in search of revelry, from choir to bands to Chinese Orchestra, although it is customary to find almost any type of street entertainment amply well attended with jam-packed crowds.

The Arts in the Park Festival puts great emphasis on the creative development of children and youths. As such, most of the amateur drama and concerts which take place in the beautifully landscaped and famously clean parks of the city are comprised of students and young adults. The Art Park in particular has a Park Stage for such performances, as well as the Trees of Arts and Creativity Stage which facilitate interactions between adult audiences and the young talent, creating an environment of artistic enrichment and inter-generational dialogue through the medium of the arts. The Art Park also hosts exhibitions featuring the entries submitted to the art competition organized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which was introduced as a means of commemorating the new bridge at whose northern end the park is located.

This is only one of the many such draws and entertainments offered by Singapore during the summer months which can be enjoyed by tourists staying at a Singapore hotel. For those looking for a five star hotel in Singapore that affords them both ease of access to the Festival’s most happening places and value for money, you can’t go wrong when making a reservation at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Located at the heart of the city-state’s business district and in convenient proximity to its major transport links, the colonial style hotel is also a Singaporean landmark and the first choice of the elite and the exclusive.