Learn more about our country’s lesser-known history through the digital Singapore Heritage Festival

For the first time ever, the Singapore Heritage Festival will be going digital.

In light of COVID-19, the 17th edition of the festival organised by the National Heritage Board will take place online from Jun 19 to Jul 5 this year.

This year’s festival will focus on three neighbourhoods, namely Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Ris and Kallang, and shed light on their lesser known histories.

‘Festival-goers’ can enjoy over 80 programmes that will be hosted online. These programmes are free and will stay accessible even after the festival is over.

Here is our list of top five programmes from the Singapore Heritage Festival you can participate in without leaving your home.

Already caught up with everything on Netflix? Add this local flick to your watch list!

Relive the moment Singapore’s national football team won the Malaysia Cup in 1977 and learn more about how the famous football cheer, the Kallang Roar, came to be in this local film.

You can catch the movie screening here.

Date available: Jun 15, 12pm
Neighbourhood: Kallang

The founder of Era Dance Theatre, Osman Abdul Hamid, shares about his journey through dance in the video documentary A Dance with my Father: An Era Dance Theatre Showcase.

This programme is part of the Singapore Heritage Festival at the National Museum series where festival-goers can discover stories about inter-generational local businesses.

Through Osman’s sharing, you can learn about how this local business has changed throughout the years. You can also enjoy a dance performance that’s unique to Hari Raya in this programme!

Date available: Jun 19, 12pm
Neighbourhood: Under other programmes

You’ve probably tried or at least heard of Tong Heng Delicacies’ famous egg tarts before.

If you’re wondering how they’re made, look no further than this sharing session hosted by Ana, a fourth-generation member of the family that runs Tong Heng Delicacies.

The family-run business, which has been around since 1935 will be telling us more about how they manage their traditional bakeries.

You’ll even have a chance at trying Tong Heng Delicacies’ Peach Gum dessert recipe and see how the rest of their iconic pastries are made!

Click here for more information on this cooking demonstration.

Date available: Jun 20, 2pm to 2.30pm
Neighbourhood: Tanjong Pagar

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook traditional snacks, this online cooking class is perfect for you!

Held across three different sessions, the Learn to Cook Our Heritage Food programme will teach you the traditional techniques of making Soon Kueh, Epok-Epok and Samosas.

The virtual sessions will take place on these dates:
– Jun 20, 3.30pm: Soon Kueh
– Jun 27, 3.30pm: Epok-Epok
– Jul 4, 3.30pm: Samosa

Hone your cooking skills by learning from instructors from the Food Playground, which provides employment opportunities for stay-at-home mothers and active seniors.

Date available: Jun 20, 3.30pm onwards
Neighbourhood: Tanjong Pagar

For those who haven’t been able to enjoy the outdoors lately, join this dance fitness class and bring the outdoors into your own home.

This nature-inspired dance class, called Connect, Check-in and Dance, will allow you to relax and enhance your physical, mental and social well-being through exercise.

Relish the sounds of nature, like waves crashing at Pasir Ris Beach or the animal noises from the mangrove forest as they keep you company throughout the entire class.

All you will need for this class are a face towel, water bottle and shoes.

Date available: Jun 28, 11am to 12pm
Neighbourhood: Pasir Ris

If you’re interested to find out more about these programmes or see the full list of activities, visit the Singapore Heritage Festival website here.

There’s a wide range of programmes for all ages so you can participate with your friends and family as well!