Slew Of Events To Add Buzz To F1

Source : The Straits Times, Apr 15, 2008

A DIZZYING array of events will ride shotgun with the Singapore Grand Prix when it motors into town in September.

Tourism officials and the private sector have lined up everything from jazz concerts to float parades to capitalise on the influx of visitors expected for the Formula One weekend, which runs from Sept 26 to 28.

To date, eight events have been arranged under the banner of the Singapore Grand Prix Season, which takes place from Sept 20 to Oct 5.

More events are expected to be announced, and the season will be promoted through advertising campaigns in regional markets such as Australia, China and India, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Ms Lynette Pang, director of cluster development (events and entertainment) for STB, said planning for the event started last year.

'By encouraging the private sector to organise or coincide their events with the season, we hope not only to up the buzz in Singapore's events and entertainment calendar... but also to give stakeholders a greater sense of participation in Singapore's first F1 race,' she told The Straits Times via e-mail.

Mr Adrian Hobbs, chief executive of events company One Lifestyle Group, is bringing in jazz singer Diana Krall for a concert at the Marina at Keppel Bay - one of the key events of the season.

The company will also be sailing in a luxury yacht to host private parties for clients at the same venue.

It hopes to launch a jazz festival during next year's F1season.

'I envisage a clamour for luxury events during the Singapore Grand Prix,' said MrHobbs.

'By next year, there should be an even bigger smorgasbord of activities.'

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Tantalising line-up

Singapore River Festival, Sept 19 to 28

Expect concerts, outdoor parties and a float parade that will pass nightspots such as Ministry of Sound and Zouk.

# Amber Lounge party at Conrad Centennial Singapore, Sept 27 and 28

An all-night fiesta for F1 drivers, sponsors and other glitterati.

# Formula One - The Great Design Race at the National Museum of Singapore, Aug 25 to Oct 2

Check out designs of F1 cars over the past 50years and other engineering marvels from London's Design Museum.

# The Hefner Collection at the National Museum of Singapore, Sept 1 to 28

American businessman Robert Hefner's collection of 70 pieces by modern Chinese artists will make its Asian debut.

# Singapore Biennale at City Hall, the former Non-Commissioned Officers' Club Building in Beach Road and Marina Bay, Sept 11 to Nov 16

This showcase of contemporary art returns for its sophomore instalment, and will feature a new Boutique Show segment for international gallery owners and collectors.

# Bvlgari Watch Exhibition at Paragon, Sept 18 to 28

More than 100 timepieces from the European jeweller will be on show, including limited editions created just for this event.

# Diana Krall Live In Concert at the Marina at Keppel Bay, Sept 26

The best-selling Canadian chanteuse will be the first performer to hold a concert at the open-air venue.

# The Singapore Motorshow 2008 at Suntec, Sept 26 to Oct 5

This biennial event returns with cutting-edge cars and other related bells and whistles.