There will be no fireworks display at the Marina Bay New Year’s Eve countdown celebration to minimise crowds in the area because of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Thursday (Nov 5). 

Instead, fireworks will be set off at different heartland locations across Singapore to bring the countdown closer to the public. 

“As health and safety remain a priority, we have adopted a different format to ensure that the public can celebrate safely and meaningfully,” said the URA chief executive Lim Eng Hwee in a press statement. 

Acknowledging that the countdown is something that many look forward to every year, Lim also encouraged the public to join in the fun at home instead.

You can, however, still look forward to two light shows at Marina Bay in December. 

The first features student artworks from various institutions projected on the facades of three landmarks in Marina Bay – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, ArtScience Museum and the Merlion. 

Organised in partnership with the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, these landmarks will be lit nightly from Dec 25 to Dec 31.

The second comprises a light-up of the Marina Bay skyline through the month of December, with 60 light beams shining from The Promontory.

Additionally, Mediacorp will be putting together a New Year’s Eve music programme featuring local and international performers from the music, dance and fashion community.

The show will be broadcast on Channel 5 and streamed online, along with the heartland fireworks and scenes from Marina Bay for a safe countdown experience. 

To find out more, click here.