There are a few things/events in Singapore that we Singaporeans will take time out to do/attend:
1. Heading down to Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period to soak in the festivities.
2. Geylang Serai Bazaar during the Ramadan period
3. Ballot for tickets to the NDP. And even if we fail to get a ticket, we will still head to town to catch a glimpse of the spectacular fireworks on National Day.
Well, we can now add another to this list: Pedestrian Night on Orchard Road.
There is something exhilarating about walking ON Orchard Road. Not along, not at, but on.
1. Cheap Thrill?
Maybe it is the cheap thrill of being able to walk under the ERP without being subjected to the "beep" sound.
You can also stand under the ERP and marvel at the mammoth size of this creation. It's really something.
2. Sit as if it's your Grandfather's road
Chairs are thoughtfully set up on the road for you to rest, to people-watch, or if you are a poser like me, for you to sit and pose for some photos:
There is no where else in Singapore where you can sit on bright pastel-coloured chairs ON THE ROAD. Pedestrian Night on Orchard Road is the only chance you can do this without being dragged away by the police.
3. Myriad of Sights and Activities
It felt like a festival when I was there! The whole street was buzzing with sights and activities!
There were people playing soccer:
There were balloon sculptures (Costume and non-costume versions):
"Costume version - for people who are not afraid of clowns"
"Non-costume version - for people afraid of clowns"
Street Busking:
Music Performance by Flame of the Forest:
And of course, lots and lots of people taking #ootd shots, including me. If you are into taking #ootd photos, Orchard Road would be one of your most interesting canvas!
And just in case you are wondering about my cover photo for this post.. Yes, I threw my shoes in the middle of the road.
A photo posted by Joey Ching How (@evilbean) on
I attracted lots of weird looks as I struggled to find the perfect angle for this photo. But it was all worth it because SO ARTISTIC RIGHT?
The theme of Pedestrian Night is different every month. For the month of July, in conjunction with our Great Singapore Sales, the theme was Orchard Road Flash Sales. There was a shopping party @ TANGS, gift vouchers at Metro Paragon, discounts at Takashimaya, flash sales at Orchard Central - it was a night of frenzy shopping and special deals!
Fret not if you were not able to make it this month, because there is still August, September, October, November and December! Here's a sneak peek of the upcoming themes (subjected to change):
1 August 2015 - SG50 "Red and White" Party!
5 September 2015 - Rev-up on Orchard (probably F1 related!)
3 October 2015 - Family Fiesta
7 November 2015 - Fashion with Friends and Family
5 December 2015 - Christmas on A Great Street (I expect the crowd for this Pedestrian Night to be fun and crazy!)
So, mark your calendars, the next Pedestrian Night is happening in just another few weeks time. Come down and soak in the amazing atmosphere and pretty sights, happening only on Pedestrian Night on Orchard Road.
Pedestrian Night on Orchard Road
First Saturday of every month
Road Closure Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Upcoming Pedestrian Night: 1 August 2015
For more information, visit http://www.orchardroad.org/ or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/orchardroad.sg
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