The 23rd edition of Singapore HeritageFest (SHF), which will take place from May 1 to 24, will focus on the maritime history of the city-state and examine how trade, migration and nautical customs have influenced its growth as a port city.
This year’s edition will be organised by HeritageSG for the first time, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board.
More than 100 programmes expected
At least 100 programmes across the island focusing on the country’s maritime heritage are expected in the festival.
This includes a variety of land and water excursions and guided trails, immersive theatre that tells stories about the sea, interactive workshops that showcase traditional maritime techniques and exhibitions that honour the numerous communities that have influenced Singapore’s character, CNA Lifestyle reported.
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and areas such as Bugis, Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, Jurong and other sites within the Fullerton heritage precinct will be hosting these programmes.
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MPA’s 30th anniversary
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will also host vessel visits, guided tours and trails with a maritime theme in honour of its 30th anniversary.
“Singapore’s story is inseparable from the sea. From bustling ports and thriving trades to the communities who lived and worked along our shores, our maritime heritage is a living legacy that continues to shape our identity today,” Qazim Karim, festival director, said.
Meanwhile, other highlights for the celebration include A Bump Through Time, a theatrical bumboat ride along the Singapore River that includes locations like Clarke Quay and Marina Bay, and Port of Dreams, a roving theater experience centered around The Fullerton Bay Hotel and Clifford Pier that tells tales of port life from the 1930s to the present.
“As a steward of Singapore’s cultural and heritage ecosystem, SHF brings together partners across communities to present collaborative programmes that explore maritime heritage from multiple perspectives, deepening public engagement with our shared histories,” the director added.
“Through these experiences, we invite everyone to journey through our maritime past and celebrate the shared heritage that connects us all.”
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