As one of the world’s fastest evolving cities, every year feels like a celebration in Singapore. However, 2019 is a very special one, as the ‘city in a garden’ is commemorating its Bicentennial – the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles landing in Singapore, one of the key turning points in the city’s 700-year history.
To mark this momentum big milestone, there will be events and festivals throughout 2019 – but the excitement is coming to London too! The capital will be hosting an immersive, multi-sensorial experience, called ‘Singapore: Where Explorers Meet’, that will take visitors on a techno-natural odyssey for three days only in June.
A multi-sensory immersive garden to commemorate Singapore Bicentennial
The event is curated by leading Singaporean and UK creative agencies, In The Wild and Bompas & Parr. Together, they have created an experience through the eyes of travellers past, present and future, that casts a wider lens on the spirit of discovery, openness of exchange in a dynamic city, and strong relations between the UK & Singapore.
An innovative showcase of multi-sensory experiences designed by Singapore talents, this event will offer visitors a slice of Singapore’s arts, music, dining and cocktail scene. Featuring an internationally renowned cast of Singaporean artists, chefs and mixologists, this techno-garden is an opportunity to discover the sights, sounds and tastes of historic and contemporary Singapore, as well as experience the sense of discovery that early visitors to the island felt in their hearts when they first set foot on the island. It will depict what Singapore has experienced over 700 years – from the 14th century to the 21st century – and how key events in 1819 began a lifelong love affair between Singapore and the UK.
Limited portions of Singaporean food and cocktails will be available at £6.00 each, so make sure to arrive early to get the chance to try Michelin starred chef Malcolm Lee’s inspired Peranakan dishes – flavours and tastes that are unique to Singapore – along with botanical cocktails from a creative collaboration between Native (No.13 in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2018 and recently voted No. 4 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019) and Lyaness, one of London’s finest drinking establishments. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try the classic Singapore Sling from Raffles Hotel Singapore, which reopens its doors in August this year.
What to Expect at ‘Singapore: Where Explorers Meet’
Experience a tropical imaginarium created by leading Singaporean botanical designers, Humid House.
A unique haptic plant soundscape created by leading British and Singaporean artists Mileece and .gif. Traverse time and connect with history as told by nature.
Throughout the installation, NY-based Singaporean photographer, Lenne Chai, presents an exploration of the faces and stories that have been part of Singapore’s transformation over the past 200 years. A colourful town glowing with life, Singapore has always been a mix of different races, cultures, stories, materials and people which has resulted in the intriguing and inventive DNA of its inhabitants.
Visitors will also get the chance to experience the Kaleidoscope – an artwork installation by Singapore-based artists Esther Goh, in collaboration with OuterEdit.
Explore the city in a garden with Singapore’s City of Possibilities – an interactive experience which will allow visitors to virtually visit eight landmarks via an avatar to have a 360° video tour to find out more about their particular passion.
A chance to explore the cuisine of Chef Malcolm Lee, chef-owner of Candlenut, the world’s first and only Michelin starred Peranakan establishment. Lee will be serving his world renowned ‘Buah Keluak ice cream’, which combines savoury black nuts & chocolate. Explorers will also get to try his ‘crab curry with blue pea flower rice’ and his ‘Ye Ye Chicken Curry’ that was featured on ITV Saturday Morning with James Martin earlier this year.
Old Chang Kee will present their famous curry puffs, a local delight in Singapore. Legend has it that chefs who worked for the British back in Singapore in the 1800s had reinvented the Cornish pasty with Singapore’s native herbs and spices, giving rise to this heritage pastry.
Cocktails created as part of a cross-cultural collaboration between Vijay Mudaliar, owner of Native, number 13 on the World’s 50 Best Bars and Lyaness, brand new bar from the award-winning Mr Lyan and team. Their Native x Lyaness drinks will be crafted to bring out the best of Singapore spices and flavours.
There will also be the opportunity to try the legendary Singapore Sling presented by head bartender, Paul Hammond of Raffles Singapore, in advance of the reopening of the legendary icon in August of this Bicentennial year, after undergoing a careful and sensitive restoration.
The event ‘Singapore: Where Explorers Meet‘ will take place at Finsbury Avenue Square, Broadgate EC2, 13 – 15 June 2019. Free entry.
For further information on Singapore, explore: www.visitsingapore.com
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Singapore Tourism Board.
Read about Singapore Bicentennial.
