Sizzle in September with Singapore GP

Singapore has always been a ‘hot’ destination but temperatures are set to rise further with the return of the forthcoming Singapore GP Season from 18 to 27 September 2009. Premier parties, red-hot shopping deals, state-of-the-art exhibitions and cutting edge performances, will complement the fast and furious action in the Marina Bay race circuit with the 2009 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

Commenting on the forthcoming top-notch events and exciting festivities, Ms Margaret Teo, Assistant Chief Executive (Development Group) of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), comments, “Singapore has the unique advantage of staging a Formula 1 race right in the heart of the Marina area and in close proximity to Singapore River and Orchard Road.

“Through the Singapore GP Season, we want to provide a total race experience for spectators and encourage them to explore our key tourism precincts which are easily accessible and offer a wide range of lifestyle offerings. Ultimately, we want to increase tourism expenditure among visitors during the Singapore GP Season.”

Last year, 30 per cent of those who attended Singapore GP Season events were visitors. This is higher than the average 10-15 per cent visitor participation usually seen at many other leisure events. In addition, visitors who came for the race stayed one to two days longer than usual, spent twice more than the average visitor on shopping, and three times more on food and beverage.

The Singapore GP Season is all about fun, lifestyle and entertainment, complementing Singapore’s Formula 1 race, and catering to a diverse audience. The line-up of events will enhance Singapore’s image as an exciting lifestyle destination and the Events and Entertainment Capital of Asia. Some of these include new events such as Asia On The Edge and Rev Up on Orchard, and returning events such as Amber Lounge Singapore.

Great Experiences for Everyone
Asia On The Edge is a lifestyle festival with a strong Asian focus. Taking place at the Arts House and around the Empress Place precinct from 18-27 September, it will showcase the best of Asian talent through food, fashion, arts and crafts.

True to its promise of being a lifestyle destination, Orchard Road will not only present shopaholics a range of special shopping deals and promotions, but also feature street music, art and entertainment. Rev Up on Orchard will reflect this, from exciting deals to visual delights along the entire street. Art lovers will be able to enjoy the quirky and vibrant colours of Brazilian neo-pop artist and sculptor Romero Britto in his exhibition Britto in Singapore. His works will be on display at an outdoor exhibition in the urban green rooms fronting ION Orchard as well as at the Opera Gallery.

Lovers of pop opera group Il Divo are in for a spectacular musical treat at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 21 September when the group will be performing hits from their latest album ‘The Promise.’ For race fans, renowned Formula 1 photographer Paul-Henri Cahier will exhibit his stunning photography from the 2008 Singapore Formula 1 night race in the First Night Race Outdoor Photo Exhibition.

Returning Favourites
The premier party Amber Lounge Singapore will take place on the 26th and 27th September at the Temasek Reflection with a VIP guest list of drivers and celebrities. September will also offer visitors and residents the perennial One City Three Festivals event, showcasing Singapore’s unique multi-cultural heritage with the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali celebrations.

Divya Panickar, Area Director, North and West Europe, Singapore Tourism Board comments, “The thrill of the Singapore GP Season and the energy and buzz generated from this fusion of events, is further entrenching Singapore as Asia’s top lifestyle destination.”

To find our more visit the website of the Singapore Tourism Board at: stb.gov.sg