Singapore is host to events all year round, from the Grand Prix to the Luminarie light sculptures
The Lion City offers visitors an impressive calendar of leisure activities – from food festivals to retail extravaganzas to the showcasing of contemporary art, there is something for everyone to enjoy
From family fun to food fiestas, action sports to cultural enrichment, and all manner of music, shopping and themed events in between, Singapore swings with a full calendar of leisure activities scheduled throughout the year.
Following two major events each summer – the Singapore Food Festival in July, and the Great Singapore Sale retail extravaganza, running from June to August – September is Grand Prix season, when the roar of Formula One motor racing thrills throngs of visitors and millions of fans watching worldwide.
The world’s first Formula One night race has been held annually in Singapore since 2008, and remains Asia’s sole street race in Grand Prix history.
It’s also one of the most popular events on the Formula One calendar, for the drivers as well as fans.
The 5.065km long Marina Bay street circuit, centrally located in downtown Singapore, is a challenge for the drivers, says 1980 Formula One World Champion Alan Jones, who has been an Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile driver steward at the event.
“It’s a bit like Monaco, where you’ve got to have 101 per cent concentration. You just can’t allow the car to drift out too wide, or make any mistakes under brakes, because instead of going out onto asphalt or gravel, you’re going to hit a wall.”
