Island delights at S’pore Heritage Fest 2014

SINGAPORE — Those who fancy a boat trip to the Republic’s surrounding islands will be able to do so at this year’s Singapore Heritage Fest, which kicks off on July 18.

Excursions to St John’s, Lazarus and Seringat islands are among the highlights of this year’s edition, themed Our Islands, Our Home. There will also be trips to Kusu Island as well as one dedicated to Singapore’s early lighthouses, which date back to the 19th century.

Organised by the National Heritage Board, the festival will be spread across more than 11 festival hubs in malls, including nex, Changi City Point and Century Square, and will feature 60 programmes.

While it is open to those of all ages, organisers have observed notable growth in participation among youth. Said this year’s festival director Angelita Teo, director of the National Museum of Singapore: “I used to think the younger generation weren’t interested in our heritage, but you’ll be surprised! Many of these initiatives are from young people.”

She added: “I think we’re going through a point in the nation where we are trying to find out who we are as Singaporeans ... with the world being so globalised, the youth will ask themselves, ‘So what makes me special?’”

Other highlights include a performance of Nanyin music by the Siong Leng Musical Association on Kusu Island.

Singapore Heritage Fest 2014 runs till July 27. Registration for events starts on July 1. For more information, visit http://www.heritagefest.sg.