[PAssionArts 2025] From Your Block to the Canvas: PAssionArts 2025 in Full Colour for SG60

 Hi Huneybees,

Germaine Teo (centre), a client from ESH@Tampines, working together with Tampines West residents to paint a canvas artwork featuring the Tampines West clock tower, to be displayed at the Tampines West PAssionArts Festival 2025 on 16 Aug 2025.

Get ready to see your neighbourhood in a whole new light – literally and artistically, as PAssionArts Festival 2025 returns from July to September, bringing with it colourful creations, vibrant performances, and heartfelt stories from all across Singapore. This year’s theme, “Our Neighbourhood Gems,” is a celebration of everything we love about our local communities: from iconic places and personalities to the everyday memories we hold dear.

And yes, it’s also part of Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, so expect something extra special this year!

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Elena Chai and Ms Tay, Toa Payoh Central residents, painting the art installation - Elena working on the trees and Ms Tay painting the Dragon Playground.

Discover the Heart of Your Hood

Organised by the People’s Association Arts & Culture Division and supported by Community Arts and Culture Clubs (CACCs), this year’s festival features over 60 festival villages, each spotlighting its own unique vibe. Think larger-than-life installations, nostalgic landmarks turned into art, music festivals, and hands-on workshops where you can literally paint the town.

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Residents of Toa Payoh Central painting the mural structure, which will be displayed at the Central Singapore Combined Divisions PAssionArts Festival on 10 Aug 2025.

Don’t Miss This: Giant Delight SG60 Edition

If you loved the giant art pieces from last year, you’ll be thrilled to know that Giant Delight is back and bigger than ever! The special SG60 Edition will debut during the National Day Heartland Celebrations on 10 August, featuring mega installations inspired by iconic neighbourhood stories and symbols.

You’ll spot structures like a wooden hexagon, octagon, and even an acrylic prism tower, all transformed into community-built art. It’s a giant canvas for everyday Singaporeans to express what home means to them.

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Photo Credits: Vulcan Post

Meet the Festival Director: Sam Lo

Contemporary artist Sam Lo, known for thought-provoking public art and past Chingay creations, takes the reins this year as Festival Director. Sam’s vision for “Our Neighbourhood Gems” is simple but powerful: to get us all thinking about the spaces, stories, and small things that make our neighbourhoods feel like home.

“The heart of PAssionArts Festival has always been the people,. With this year’s theme, I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate what truly matters in their community.” --- Sam Lo

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Tampines West residents adding their touches to a community canvas featuring the iconic Tampines West clock tower, to be showcased at the upcoming Tampines West PAssionArts Festival 2025 on 16 Aug 2025.

Highlights to Look Out For

Here are just a few exciting projects popping up around town:

• Kebun Baru’s Giant Birdcage (10 Aug)
  Inspired by the area’s famous bird singing club, this whimsical installation features handcrafted birds created by residents and artist Fish Jaffar. Don’t miss the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground art piece too – full of retro vibes and neighbourhood pride!

• Marine Parade’s Peranakan House (3 Aug)
  A beautifully crafted homage to Joo Chiat’s rich Peranakan heritage, featuring giant Peranakan shoes and a house adorned with peony motifs by artists Royston Phang and Ng Khin Whee.

• Bukit Timah’s Heartland Express (16 Aug)
  A community-built miniature version of the Bukit Timah Railway Bridge made with recycled materials, designed by a team of artists including Didier Ng and Cherie Ng. Eco-friendly, nostalgic, and oh-so-photo-worthy.

• Keat Hong’s Festival of Songs, Stories & Soul (13 Jul) – A youth concert packed with jazz, pop, acoustic sets, and even a live DJ.

• Seletar-Serangoon Music Festival (26 Jul) – Rock, jazz, and dance groups led by our local tertiary talents.

• Tampines Central SG60 Concert (2 Aug) – A night of retro tunes and performances by community music groups.

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Get Involved: PAssionArts 2025 Workshops & Festival Highlights

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a weekend family activity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join in the creativity and be part of your neighbourhood’s story through workshops and community celebrations happening all across Singapore.

Part 1: Hands-On Art Workshops (Jun–Jul 2025)

Want to help co-create this year’s art installations? Here are some workshops to check out:

Bukit Batok CACC PAssionArts Workshop, Whampoa CACC PAssionArts Workshop, Punggol Coast & Punggol West CACC PAssionArts Workshop, Marine Parade Workshop (Register at Joo Chiat CC), Serangoon CACC PAssionArts Workshop, Bukit Timah Workshop (Register at Bukit Timah CC), Kebun Bahru Workshop (Register at Kebun Bahru CC), Keat Hong CACC PAssionArts Festival Workshop, Braddell Heights CACC PAssionArts Workshop.

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Part 2: Festival Highlights Across the Island (Jul–Aug 2025)

Here's where the magic happens! Check out these PAssionArts Festival Villages near you, complete with community art, performances, and hands-on fun. Some events may be ticketed, check with your local CACC for more info.

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Artist Alvin Goh guiding residents of Toa Payoh Central to paint the Dragon Playground on the art installation.

Save the Dates: 12 July to End September

PAssionArts Festival 2025 kicks off on 12 July at Radin Mas and wraps up at the end of September. Whether you’re into painting, performance, or simply wandering through creative neighbourhood spaces, this festival is for every age and every corner of Singapore.

In a year where we’re reflecting on 60 years of Singapore’s independence, PAssionArts Festival 2025 offers the perfect way to celebrate what makes our daily lives so rich - the neighbourhoods we call home, and the people we share them with.

So go on, explore your neighbourhood gems and let your heartland pride shine!
Majulah Singapura~~~

Follow @PAssionArtsSG on Facebook and Instagram for event updates, workshop sign-ups, and sneak peeks at what’s happening in your area.

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[SG60 Special] This Is What 60 Looks Like – And Singapore’s Never Looked Better

Hi Huneybees,

Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg

Singapore turns 60 this year and NDP 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt and inclusive National Day celebrations ever. As someone who’s always loved watching the parade (yes, even from my living room with a flag in hand), I can feel that this year’s milestone goes beyond fireworks and performances. It’s a celebration of who we are as a nation, where we’ve been, and how we’re choosing to grow together.

Let me walk you through what to expect this year - from the grand spectacles at the Padang and Marina Bay to the community-driven touches that remind us what SG60 is really about.

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Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg

Majulah Singapura: A Theme That Feels Especially Personal This Year

The theme for NDP 2025 is “Majulah Singapura”, which means “Onward Singapore”. You’ll recognise it from our National Anthem.But this year, it also symbolises 60 years of nation-building, and our shared commitment to move forward with optimism and unity.

The logo is just as meaningful: the number “60” is cleverly designed to resemble the word “GO”, with five shooting stars representing Singapore’s core ideals - democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. Even more special? 25 Singaporeans from all walks of life are co-creating their own interpretations of the logo, sharing what the Singapore Dream means to them. It’s art, storytelling, and community all in one.

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Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg

A Parade That Spans the Padang, Marina Bay… and Your Neighbourhood

For the first time ever, the NDP show will span both the Padang and Marina Bay, and on 10 August, the festivities continue into five heartland sites across Singapore.

What’s Happening on 9 August

• Red Lions + Navy Divers: The inaugural "Jump of Unity" will see Red Lions parachute into the Padang while Republic of Singapore Navy divers make a splashy arrival at Marina Bay.

• Aerial & Maritime Spectacles: Get ready for a dazzling aerial tribute by the RSAF and a maritime display at the Bay.

• Mobile Column Returns: Featuring SAF, Home Team, and MPA assets making its first Padang return since 2019.

• Mass Performances + Fireworks: Watch city skyline projections, light shows, fireworks, and performances from a floating stage.

• Bay Celebration Zones: Carnival games, LED screens, and live screenings await at Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay, Sports Hub, The Promontory and more.

And on 10 August…

• Heartland Celebrations will bring fireworks, drone shows, carnival activities, and a Mobile Column convoy to five community zones across the island.

Wherever you are (downtown, in the neighbourhood, or tuning in from home), you’re part of it.

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Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg

The Most Heartfelt Detail: NDP Packs Designed by Artists with Disabilities

This part honestly moved me. For the first time, this year’s NDP Packs will feature original artwork created by 41 artists with disabilities, including students from SPED schools and artists from ARTDIS (Arts & Disability Singapore).

This collaboration, supported by SG Enable’s i’mable initiative, celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of these artists, who were invited to reflect on what Singapore means to them. Their artwork is inspired by themes of resilience, multiculturalism, boldness, and a caring future, and the result is seven beautiful, meaningful designs.

The artwork will be printed on sustainable tote bags (made from 100% recycled polyester!) and included in a National Day stamp set. You can receive one of these special NDP Packs if you're attending the parade, preview shows, or visiting the Bay and Heartland celebration sites.

It’s more than a souvenir. It’s a reminder that everyone’s voice matters in our shared story, and that inclusion is at the heart of what it means to be Singaporean.

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This Year’s Theme Song: “Here We Are”

If you haven’t heard “Here We Are” yet, do yourself a favour and listen. Co-written by Charlie Lim and Chok Kerong, and performed by Charlie, Kit Chan, and The Island Voices, this year’s NDP theme song is equal parts moving, nostalgic, and hopeful. The music video, directed by He Shuming, features a diverse community choir and touching vignettes of Singaporeans in everyday moments.

The message? No matter the weather, no matter where we are in life, we stand together. That’s what makes home, home.

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Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg

How You Can Be Part of SG60

There are so many ways you can get involved this year — and I love that it’s not just about watching the parade.

• Fly Our Flag: From mid-June, households can redeem a free Singapore flag via Shopee and start displaying it proudly from July to September.

• Wear Our Colours: Red-and-white themed fashion drops from Love Bonito, The Elly Store, and Uniqlo.

• Join a Pledge Event: Start your own neighbourhood celebration with help from the government’s new “Pledge Events” initiative.

• Give Back: The #GiveAsOneSG campaign invites all of us to contribute through 60 Days of Giving - from volunteering to donating.

And of course, don’t miss the Majulah Moment on 9 August, when the whole nation will come together to recite the pledge and sing the anthem.

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Photo Credit: www.ndp.gov.sg

This Is What Makes SG60 So Special

There’s something different in the air this year. Maybe it’s the pride of seeing how far we’ve come. Maybe it’s the joy of seeing so many Singaporeans (including those with disabilities) take part in shaping this celebration. Or maybe, it’s the sense that this is more than just a parade. It’s a love letter to our nation, written by every one of us.

Whether you’re catching the show at the Padang, waving your flag in the heartlands, or simply singing along with the theme song at home; NDP 2025 is for you, for me, and for all of us who call this island home. Majulah Singapura!

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Top Spots to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Singapore: Countdown, Fireworks & Festivities

Hi Huneybees,

As 2024 winds down, it’s time to dive into the excitement of welcoming 2025 in style. New Year’s Eve in Singapore promises an unforgettable experience, with dazzling fireworks, lively parties, and celebrations for everyone. Whether you’re into beachfront festivities, glamorous rooftop soirées, or family-friendly fun, there’s something to suit every celebration style.

Still figuring out your plans? Here’s a guide to some of the main event hotspots to help you ring in the new year in style when the clock strikes midnight.

1. Mediacorp Let’s Celebrate 2025

Get ready for an electrifying night at this year’s Mediacorp Let’s Celebrate 2025 countdown show, hosted by the dynamic duo Joakim Gomez and Munah Bagharib. The excitement kicks off with the Let The Music Play segment, featuring show-stopping performances by artists like Iman Fandi, Tosh Rock, ShiGGa Shay, and Regina Song. Dance the night away as they perform their original tracks alongside popular chart-topping hits.

For families, the Singapore Sports Hub has plenty to offer, from UV face painting and glitter tattoos to gem embellishments, balloon sculpting, and a dazzling Neon Playground complete with LED-lit wings and seesaws.

As the clock nears midnight, brace yourself for the show’s grand finale—a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display, the longest of this year’s celebrations, accompanied by the mesmerizing Let’s Celebrate 2025 LED display on the National Stadium roof. It’s a countdown you won’t want to miss!

Admission: Free
Venue: Singapore Sports Hub, 397718
Time: 5pm-12.15am
Info: Mediacorp website

2. Marina Bay Singapore Countdown

Mark your calendars for one of Singapore's biggest year-end celebrations as the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown returns, this time as part of the ONE Countdown series commemorating the nation's 60th birthday (SG60). This iconic event promises a memorable evening filled with dazzling displays and festive activities.

Bring your picnic basket to Illumi and enjoy front-row seats to the year’s most anticipated fireworks show. Surround yourself with millions of LED lights, immersive displays, and larger-than-life installations, including a towering Christmas tree and a majestic brontosaurus. As the excitement builds, join the live countdown on a giant screen and marvel as the night sky lights up in a kaleidoscope of colors.

The festivities extend beyond New Year’s Eve with exciting activities leading up to the big night. Catch live performances by local talents at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and don’t miss the heartwarming Brightening Lives light projections on The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, showcasing artworks created by artists with disabilities.

As midnight approaches, prepare to be amazed by a stunning 30-minute fireworks extravaganza crafted by the creative minds behind STAR ISLAND. Watch as the Bay transforms into a dazzling spectacle, ushering in 2025 in grand style!

Get more details at - https://www.marinabaycountdown.gov.sg/.

3. Come Together at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

On New Year’s Eve, prepare for a night of unforgettable live music as The Midnight Suns and Pure Fantasy team up to deliver a stellar mix of original songs and covers spanning blues, country, and rock from the '70s to '90s. Nostalgia takes center stage with quintet Roseville Deluxe, whose captivating arrangements of hits by Backstreet Boys, Evanescence, and Snow Patrol will transport you back to the '90s and '00s. Adding a soulful touch to the evening, singer-songwriter Daniel Sid, known for his rich voice reminiscent of Hozier and James Bay, will enchant audiences with his original tracks like Greener Grass alongside timeless classics.

With the iconic Marina Bay skyline as your backdrop and the dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky, this extraordinary night of live performances will have you dancing your way into 2025!

Get more details at - Come Together.

4. Singapore Flyer New Year’s Eve Countdown

For one of the best views of the midnight fireworks, head to the Singapore Flyer, where you can enjoy a stunning close-up display while sipping champagne in the comfort of a shared capsule.

Their New Year’s Eve Countdown Champagne Special sweetens the deal with an exclusive Singapore Flyer souvenir and a festive party pack—a perfect way to toast 2025 in style!

Admission: $250
Venue: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
Time: 11.30pm-12am
Info: Singapore Flyer website

5. Sentosa Countdown Party

This New Year’s Eve, Sentosa offers double the celebration with fireworks lighting up both Palawan Beach and Siloso Beach. At Palawan Beach, the evening begins with a free movie marathon near the iconic suspension bridge. Families can settle in with picnic mats and snacks to enjoy screenings of Minions: The Rise of Gru at 5:15 PM, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl at 6:55 PM, and Stardust at 9:30 PM. These family-friendly films, all rated PG, set the perfect tone for an enjoyable night. As the final movie wraps up at 11:40 PM, a breathtaking 10-minute fireworks display will dazzle the crowd, marking the transition into 2025.

For partygoers, +Twelve promises a high-energy celebration with a UV-themed bash. Guests are encouraged to wear glow-in-the-dark attire and dance to an electrifying lineup of DJs playing everything from Progressive House and EDM to Hip Hop, R&B, and Reggae.

Over at Siloso Beach, the countdown excitement continues with the Yuewen Music Festival. Here, revelers can experience a spectacular combination of fireworks and a mesmerizing drone show, making the celebrations at Sentosa unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly movie night or a vibrant beach party, Sentosa is the place to be this New Year’s Eve.

More details at -  Sentosa's website.

6. Made By Magic: Somerset Kids Countdown Fest

Bring the magic of New Year’s Eve to life for your little ones at Made By Magic: Somerset Kids Countdown Fest! Held at Somerset Youth Park, this enchanting event transforms the space into a whimsical playground filled with immersive zones inspired by beloved animated tales.

Kids can dive into the autumn-hued Mist Forest, bounce in the bubble dome at the Memory Orb Factory, and dress up like royalty at the Pixie Dust Parlour. From slime-making workshops to the Island Hopper tropical bouncy castle, there's endless fun for all ages.

The evening also features a Sorcerer’s Spellcasting magic show and even a Toddler Techno DJ, keeping the energy high. Don’t miss the F&B zone, offering sweet treats and snacks to fuel the festivities!

Admission: Free
Venue: 121 Somerset Rd, Singapore 238166
Time: 4pm-12am
Info: Made by Magic website

7.  TRIFECTA Funhouse

Ring in the New Year in style at TRIFECTA Funhouse, where an enchanting Circus Carnival promises a night of wonder and excitement. Immerse yourself in a spectacle of fire-breathing performances, gravity-defying acrobats, mesmerizing magic shows, and towering stilt walkers that will leave you in awe.

Beyond the captivating acts, indulge in a variety of interactive activities. Try your luck at classic carnival games, glide around the roller disco, delve into your future with a tarot card reading, or transform your look with costume rentals and face painting.

As you explore the festivities, savor complimentary carnival-inspired delights like bold flying tacos, succulent pork belly, and sweet cotton candy. These tasty treats are available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis. To top it all off, groove to the beats of headlining DJs, including Strange Weather, and welcome 2025 in an unforgettable fashion!

Admission: Free with online registration
Venue: 10A Exeter Road, Singapore 239958
Time: 5pm-3am
Info: TRIFECTA website

8. CQ Spectrum Countdown: The Next Stage

From 27th–31st December, step into the future this New Year’s Eve at Clark Quay’s cyber-themed SPECTRUM: The Next Stage. Get to design your own digital persona at the AI Avatar Generator Booth with a minimum spending of $20 in a single receipt at Clark Quay, and test your speed at the Speed Strike Reaction Game for a chance to win up to 5,000 CapitaStar points.

At the BRIDGERS_ Artist Collective, soak in the creative brilliance of artists Clogtwo and Ben Qwek’s cybergame world-inspired art and don't forget to take some post-worthy shots at the Charging Zone Photo Booth.

On New Year’s Eve, the excitement reaches its peak at the Music Zone at Fountain Square, where the night kicks off at 7 PM with electrifying beats from Zouk’s Resident DJ. The energy continues to build with live performances by Shirlyn + The UnXpected, all hosted by the charismatic Avery Aloysius, leading up to an epic midnight countdown.

Don’t miss the Next Stage Drone Shows, lighting up the sky with dazzling displays at 8 PM and 11 PM along Read Bridge, adding an unforgettable touch to your New Year’s celebration.

Admission: Free
Venue: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
Time: 12pm till late
Info: Clarke Quay website

9. Resorts World Sentosa Countdown 2025 Celebration

Attention, Hooligans and Swifties! Even if you missed the electrifying concerts of Bruno Mars or Taylor Swift earlier this year, you can still capture those concert vibes at Resorts World Sentosa’s Countdown 2025 Celebration.

The night begins with Groove Thang, a high-energy 7-piece band that will set the tone with a vibrant mix of nostalgic hits. Then, get ready for an unforgettable experience as tribute artists Katy Ellis and BRUNO and the HOOLIGANS take the stage, delivering fan-favorite songs by Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars with remarkable energy and flair.

While they may not be the real stars, these performances promise plenty of excitement and entertainment, making it a night to remember. Don’t miss out on the music, the fun, and the countdown celebration.

Admission: From $218
Venue: Resorts World Ballroom, Resorts World Sentosa
Time: 10pm onwards
Info: Resorts World Sentosa website

10. Heartland Celebrations

You don’t need to camp out at Marina Bay to enjoy Singapore’s stunning New Year’s Eve countdown fireworks. To ring in 2025, One Countdown 2025 will bring celebrations to 17 heartland locations across the island on December 31, 2024 – with some spots even featuring their own fireworks displays. Skip the crowded commute to the city and embrace the sense of community as you welcome the new year surrounded by your neighbors at a venue close to home.

Each location will feature its own unique lineup of live music performances, carnival games, and exciting fringe activities. Arrive early to soak in the festive vibes and join the pre-party fun. Be sure to explore the highlights happening in your neighborhood - check them out here!

• Ang Mo Kio – hardcourt in front of Mayflower Market & Food Centre
• Bedok – Bedok Stadium
• Bishan – Bishan Active Park (Bishan Street 25)
• Boon Lay – Boon Lay Place
• Bukit Batok – SkyPeak @ Bukit Batok
• Bukit Panjang – Senja-Cashew CC and Pang Sua Pond
• Choa Chu Kang – Keat Hong Plaza beside Concord Primary School
• Hougang – open field beside Hougang MRT Exit B
• Jalan Besar – King George’s Avenue
• MacPherson – hardcourt opposite MacPherson Community Club
• Marine Parade – 46 Marina Crescent
• Marsiling – Woodlands Stadium
• Punggol West – Punggol West Community Square (beside Block 218 Sumang Walk coffeeshop)
• Tampines – Our Tampines Hub Festive Plaza
• Queenstown – outdoor space around Margaret Market
• Woodlands – Woodlands Drive 64 (next to Spectra Secondary School)
• Yishun – open area beside FutsalArena @ Yishun

Bring your loved ones together, dress to the nines, and raise a glass to new beginnings as you immerse yourself in the thrilling countdown vibes. No matter where you celebrate, make it a night to cherish as you welcome the new year with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to an exciting year ahead! Happy New Year! 😘

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