SINGAPORE - As many may have noticed, the time between Christmas
Day and New Year's Day tends to be slack, with the vibe being more
festive than productive.
Some offices, such as those in the advertising industry, have even
shut down for a holiday break.
Revellers, you see, are anticipating that one big bash on New
Year's Eve, when we say goodbye to one year and hello to the
next.
This year, Marina Bay looks especially bright, with a host of
events planned around the area.
The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2013, presented by the Urban
Redevelopment Authority and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, is
expected to draw a whopping 300,000 people on Monday.
Music enthusiasts can head down to The [email protected] Marina Bay to
attend the Happy 3+65! countdown party, featuring Singapore talents
such as singers Vanessa Faith and Shimona Kee.
And at The [email protected] Bay, international artists who will perform
include the cast of award-winning musical Jersey Boys, who will
take to the stage as part of Celebrate 2013, which will culminate
in a fireworks display.
However, fireworks won't be the only things lighting up the
sky.
For the first time in the Marina Bay Countdown's eight-year
history, kites from GoFlyKite will be flown in colourful
configurations at the waterfront.
Now, it's not a party without food and drinks.
Along Waterfront Promenade, the hungry will be able to get their
fill at Downtown Bites, a food fair that will run from 5pm to
2am.
There, revellers will find stalls like Salad Stop! - the salad-and-
wrap eatery that's ever-popular among young executives - and The
Rotisserie.
To keep everyone safe, the Singapore Police Force will deploy 1,700
security personnel - an increase of about 100 compared to last
year.
Be warned that there will be road closures, for example, at Marina
Boulevard and Fullerton Road, from 10pm on New Year's Eve till
1.30am on New Year's Day.
Members of the public should be prepared for checks of bags and
personal items by the police.
In addition, security personnel will be on-site at various
locations within the Marina Bay area, such as at The Promontory, to
regulate human traffic and prevent overcrowding.
Public-transport operators SMRT and SBS will extend the operation
hours of trains and buses on New Year's Eve.
Nite Owl buses, for instance, will run until 4am, instead of
2am.
