For many tourists, Singapore is a shopping and dining destination. Its sale season in the middle of the year is one of the longest, usually lasting well over a month. The list of food choices is wide and varied, mainly because the city is a melting pot of cultures.
For the past six years, the city state has also drawn thrill-seekers to the Formula 1 Grand Prix night races. Since the inaugural night race in September 2008, the event is now considered a “jewel in the Formula One crown.” This year, the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit is scheduled from Sept. 19 to 21.
More than just races
Anyone who has attended the annual event knows that aside from the races, there is a host of activities held near and around the circuit. Concerts, art exhibits, dining and shopping options are plentiful even for those who are not racing fans. It has been noted that on that weekend alone, there is a 40-percent increase in Singapore tourist arrivals.
According to the staff at the Singapore Tourism Board, visitors come for the race as well as the other activities. Preparations begin as early as three months before the Grand Prix.
Temporary multilevel structures designed to look like permanent fixtures are set up along the circuit. These include hospitality suites and a fully equipped media room for journalists from all over the world who come to cover the event.
A budget of S$150 million shouldered by the government and the Singapore Grand Prix is allotted for everything that has to do with the race and the activities surrounding the event. This year, world-class entertainment will be provided by Asia’s biggest rock band, Mayday (Sept. 19); UK’s best-selling solo artist Robbie Williams, UK’s popular music duo Pet Shop Boys and six-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley (different venues, Sept. 20); and global superstar Jennifer Lopez, nine-time Grammy winner John Legend and a returning Ziggy Marley (different venues, Sept. 21).
Parties, art exhibits
This year, a number of restaurants, museums and art galleries are preparing parties and guided tours leading up to the main event. The rooftop restaurant ME@OUE (50 Collyer Quay) will have theme parties on Sept. 12-18; Tanjong Beach Club will present “Full Steam Ahead: F1 2014 Edition” on Sept. 13; and Ujong at the Raffles Hotel Arcade will offer an F1 promotional set menu.
At Gillman Barracks, which have since been turned into small art galleries, there will be guided tours, although an option would be to go around on foot at your own pace. Jeweler Choo Yilin will showcase her Peranakan collection to coincide with The Peranakan exhibit at the InterContinental Singapore which runs Sept. 11-25.
Whether you come for the thrilling night races or the other activities aligned with the weekend-long 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, you can be sure you won’t run out of things to do, buy, eat or see.
For more info, visit www.singaporegp.sg.