With amazing scenic views and exciting lifestyle destinations all around, it's no wonder the Marina Bay district is a popular hotspot for parties. It's also home to the biggest countdown celebration in the country with many countdown parties held all around the district. One of which was the relatively low-key Car Free Countdown held at Singapore's historic Civic District. Here's a look.
What is the Car Free Countdown @ Civic District?
The Car Free Countdown @ Civic District is a free countdown celebration held in the heart of Singapore's historical Civic District, home to places like the National Gallery and the Padang. It's also one of the "car-free" initiatives introduced by the government to achieve a car-lite society. With exciting programmes like movie night, free performances and food stalls, the event is a great way to celebrate the New Year.
Free Workout Sessions At The National Gallery
Start the New Year the healthy way with some free workout sessions right in front of the National Gallery. Organised by Singapore's Health Promotion Board, visitors could participate in any of the free workout sessions which include yoga, kickboxing and Zumba. Participants also get to walk away with a free goodie bag and healthier choice drinks. Despite the rain, participants still carried on with their workouts and non-participants even joined in the fun by following the routines at the back.
Movies Under The Stars and Free Performances
Lay out your picnic mats and have some fun under the stars with free movies and free performances. At 6pm, visitors were treated to some live local music by local acts like 53A at the Empress Lawn in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall. From 7.30pm onwards, visitors could watch family-friendly movies like Wonder Woman and Fantastic Beasts at the Empress Lawn or the Esplanade Park. With the food stalls nearby, you could also munch on some snacks while enjoying the movies and performances.
Extended Museum Opening Hours
Why not enrich yourselves with some knowledge and history at the museums in the Civic District like the National Gallery and the Asian Civilisations Museum? Both museums opened until late at night giving visitors an opportunity to check out the variety of exhibits before the fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
Flea Market and Food Stalls at the Connaught Drive
With Connaught Drive being closed to traffic from evening onwards, a flea market and food stalls were opened for business allowing visitors to the Car Free Countdown a chance to check out the stuff sold by our local entrepreneurs and to savour mouthwatering food like burgers and Thai food. As it was raining, visitors retreated to nearby shelters as the open air dining area were affected by the rain. Despite the rain, everyone still enjoyed themselves here.
3D Projection Show at Fullerton Hotel and Hourly Fireworks
Fireworks to Ring In The New Year
At 11.59pm, everyone started counting down the final 10 seconds and welcomed 2018 with a full 6-minute firework performance at the Marina Bay district. Everyone stopped what they were doing and whipped out their phones and cameras to enjoy the amazing performance. Although it was raining, the show still went on and everyone enjoyed themselves despite being soaking wet and holding an umbrella. It was a memorable firework performance indeed.
Conclusion
The Car Free Countdown @ Civic District was a great event to mark the New Year and with the government's initiative of making the Civic District more pedestrian friendly, more events like these will start popping up right here. Although the New Year celebrations here was more low key compared to others in the Marina Bay district, it was still a great and memorable event to end the year. Visited the Car Free Countdown recently? Let us know what you think.
More Information
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2018 Website: http://www.marinabaycountdown.sg/