Events featuring live music, artwork, and sports will take place during the Istana open house on August 3 to commemorate SG60.
The Istana, Singapore's presidential palace, will open its gates to the public on August 3, 2020, as part of the celebrations for the nation's 60th year of independence. This annual event, themed "Building Our Singapore Together," promises a day filled with cultural performances, sports activities, and hands-on art experiences for all ages.
Up to 10,000 National Day goodie bags will be distributed to visitors, and food and beverage stalls, as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President's Challenge souvenirs, will be available on site.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including cultural and contemporary dance and music performances, traditional lion dance shows, and the opportunity to try out Paralympic sports such as boccia and seated volleyball. Traditional games like five stones, a traditional kampung game, are also expected to be included.
Self-guided tours of the Istana Villa, where visitors can view a collection of state gifts presented to Singapore's leaders, will be available throughout the day. Visitors who have pre-registered for the guided Istana Heritage Tour can tour the Istana grounds during their chosen timeslot between 9am and 4pm. However, it's important to note that the Istana Main Building is currently closed for restoration until further notice.
Live performances will be held from 10:00am to 4:30pm, featuring homegrown singer-songwriters LAYYI and Sherman Zhuo, and instructors from SportSG. Student groups from Bukit View Primary School, Woodlands Primary School, Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah, and Hwa Chong Institution (High School) will perform instrument, dance, and band performances.
Entry may be restricted due to capacity or inclement weather, so it's advisable to arrive early. Visitors can enter the Istana grounds via the main gate at Orchard Road, with the nearest MRT station being Dhoby Ghaut. All other visitors will need to pay an admission fee of S$20 (US$16) per adult and S$10 per child aged four to 12 years old, via cashless payment methods.
Singaporeans, permanent residents, as well as migrant domestic workers accompanying families, can enter for free. Proceeds from the entrance fees, tours, and booths will go towards charities supported by the President's Challenge.
Visitors can also participate in hands-on art activities, including stepping inside a roving art truck by the National Gallery and turning fabric scraps into novelty items.
For more specific details about the 2020 event, it would be best to refer to past event reports or publications. Typically, these events are well-organized with a focus on celebrating Singapore's heritage and community. The event will take place from 8:30am to 6:00pm.
- For those interested in sports, the event at the Istana offers the chance to try out Paralympic sports like boccia and seated volleyball.
- In addition to sports, the day also features performances from homegrown artists like LAYYI and Sherman Zhuo, as well as instructors from SportSG.
- For those who enjoy a different pace, they can venture into the home-and-garden domain with hands-on art activities, such as steping inside a roving art truck by the National Gallery.
- After a day filled with sports, lifestyle, and cultural experiences, visitors might find themselves drawn to the betting opportunity of sports-betting, perhaps on the ongoing race or tennis matches.
