Gigantic floats, sequined costumes and high-energy dance performances; the colourful sights and sounds of the Chingay Parade of DreamS will put you in party mode at Asias grandest street parade. Celebrating Singapores multi-cultural uniqueness, this colourful extravaganza is a highlight during the Lunar New Year celebration. Its name Chingay, coined from its phonetic Hokkien equivalent, means the art of costume and masquerade. Put together by 3,800 performers, 2,000 volunteers, 70 choreographers and 15 months of planning, the parade is a magnificent spectacle set against scenic Marina Bay.
Besides exciting local acts, Chingay 2008 features international performances from China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and Ireland. One performance to look out for is the Kuroshio Kai Ryu Kamen Dance, the winning piece at the 2007 Kagoshima Spring Festival in Japan. Also making their appearance in this years extravaganza are the monsters and other fantastical creatures from Irelands St Patricks Festival. Expect nothing less than vibrant, intricate and even unusual costumes that are bound to impress; exciting performances, ranging from the traditional lion dance, stilt walkers, pole acts to modern belly dancers, hip-hop dancers and cheerleaders; invigorating music to the ears from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, a gamelan orchestra, and a series of samba drumming and the Indian tabla; and boisterous pyrotechnic displays over beautiful Marina Bay.
All-Night Party
And for the first time, the party will continue into the wee hours of the morning. The first-ever post-Chingay all-night party (between 11pm and 4am) will be staged after the official parade, offered jointly by the Peoples Association Youth Movement and St James Power Station. Party the night away under the open sky, against the backdrop of City Hall. Enjoy the celebration as the street is transformed into a party zone.
Ticket information:
Tickets are available at SISTIC and St James Power Station
Age requirements: 18 years & above
Ticket Sales : SGD 15 (pre-event sales)
: SGD 20 @ the door (cash only)
: Ticket prices include 1 drink
Tips on How to Catch the Parade
There are various ways to catch this annual street extravaganza. Watch the parade from the various viewing galleries, view for free from anywhere along the pedestrian walkways, or get a ticket and do it picnic style! Picnic at Chingay is a great way to enjoy the Chingay Parade. Bring your own picnic mat and everything you need to make yourselves comfortable, choose a spot at the Padang and youre set! If you are standing, try to arrive at least half an hour prior to the start of the performance to secure a good viewing location. Available standing spots are along Connaught Drive and Raffles Avenue. Only ticket-holders will be allowed onto St Andrews Road. To truly enjoy the parade, purchase tickets for the City Hall viewing gallery where the opening ceremony will take place.
Ticket information
1 City Hall viewing gallery : 15 Feb SGD 50
: 16 Feb SGD 70
2 City Hall Raffles Avenue : 15 Feb SGD 30
: 16 Feb SGD 45
3 Picnic Seating : 15 Feb SGD 15
: 16 Feb SGD 20
Chingay tickets can be purchased online at www.chingay.org.sg, through the ticketing hotline@(65) 6734 1129, Singapore Visitors Centre@Orchard or at any Singapore Post Outlet.
Besides exciting local acts, Chingay 2008 features international performances from China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Japan and Ireland. One performance to look out for is the Kuroshio Kai Ryu Kamen Dance, the winning piece at the 2007 Kagoshima Spring Festival in Japan. Also making their appearance in this years extravaganza are the monsters and other fantastical creatures from Irelands St Patricks Festival. Expect nothing less than vibrant, intricate and even unusual costumes that are bound to impress; exciting performances, ranging from the traditional lion dance, stilt walkers, pole acts to modern belly dancers, hip-hop dancers and cheerleaders; invigorating music to the ears from the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, a gamelan orchestra, and a series of samba drumming and the Indian tabla; and boisterous pyrotechnic displays over beautiful Marina Bay.
All-Night Party
And for the first time, the party will continue into the wee hours of the morning. The first-ever post-Chingay all-night party (between 11pm and 4am) will be staged after the official parade, offered jointly by the Peoples Association Youth Movement and St James Power Station. Party the night away under the open sky, against the backdrop of City Hall. Enjoy the celebration as the street is transformed into a party zone.
Ticket information:
Tickets are available at SISTIC and St James Power Station
Age requirements: 18 years & above
Ticket Sales : SGD 15 (pre-event sales)
: SGD 20 @ the door (cash only)
: Ticket prices include 1 drink
Tips on How to Catch the Parade
There are various ways to catch this annual street extravaganza. Watch the parade from the various viewing galleries, view for free from anywhere along the pedestrian walkways, or get a ticket and do it picnic style! Picnic at Chingay is a great way to enjoy the Chingay Parade. Bring your own picnic mat and everything you need to make yourselves comfortable, choose a spot at the Padang and youre set! If you are standing, try to arrive at least half an hour prior to the start of the performance to secure a good viewing location. Available standing spots are along Connaught Drive and Raffles Avenue. Only ticket-holders will be allowed onto St Andrews Road. To truly enjoy the parade, purchase tickets for the City Hall viewing gallery where the opening ceremony will take place.
Ticket information
1 City Hall viewing gallery : 15 Feb SGD 50
: 16 Feb SGD 70
2 City Hall Raffles Avenue : 15 Feb SGD 30
: 16 Feb SGD 45
3 Picnic Seating : 15 Feb SGD 15
: 16 Feb SGD 20
Chingay tickets can be purchased online at www.chingay.org.sg, through the ticketing hotline@(65) 6734 1129, Singapore Visitors Centre@Orchard or at any Singapore Post Outlet.
