CELEBRATE SINGAPORE WITH FIREWORKS GALORE

Keep your eyes on the night skyline over Marina Bay as it will soon be adorned with over 15,000 fiery blooms of all shapes, sizes and colours when the Singapore Fireworks Festival 2006 kicks off on 5 Aug.

Held in conjunction with the National Day celebrations, the annual event is in its third year and promises to be more spectacular than ever.

Over 9,000 rounds of fireworks will be used, with the highest ones set to reach a vertical height of about 350 metres. Be awed by the plethora of effects such as slow-fall lanterns with waterfalls and heart-shapes in dazzling shades of blue, orange and lime green.

Held over four separate days, the fireworks displays, which are helmed by fireworks teams from around the world, will all commence at 9pm.

Team Italy will be the curtain-raiser at the festival on 5 Aug. Led by choreographer Mr Francesco Ambrico, their theme will be "Dynamic City", showcasing a loud, dynamic and passionate display.

Team Singapore will be up next on 8 Aug with their "Our City of Colours" display. Led by Mr Hery Ng, the choreography will be centered on Singapore's unique multi-racial harmony and National Day Parade festive celebrations.

Team New Caledonia, led by choreographer Mr Charles Germain, will make its debut on 11 Aug. Their theme "Nature and Mystique" will showcase a tranquil display, playing to the sights and sounds of Mother Nature.

Team France, back at the festival due to popular demand, will stage the final display on 12 Aug with "Celebration of Life". Led by Mr Dominique Brezac, the team is keeping their display details under wraps. Suffice to say, it will be an explosive performance to behold.

The event was planned 10 months ago, revealed Mr Alan Meng, Director of UnUsUal Development Pte Ltd, the festival organiser.

He added that many fireworks choreographers from various countries had expressed their interest in showcasing their work here, especially since the event is a first in the region.

"When we were choosing the teams, we basically took out the world map and quartered it, so there's one team from each quarter!" he quipped.

"The main theme that was given to them was that we want to have a celebratory mood, in line with our National Day celebrations, so I believe with the Italians, French and New Caledonians coming here, each of them will carry their own culture to Singapore to celebrate National Day with us."

Each individually choreographed musical fireworks display will be approximately 12 to 15 minutes long.

Members of the audience are in for a visual treat as they will see bursts of water shells and parachute shots that will travel up, down, across and onto the waters of Marina Bay, lighting up an area spanning 500 metres, and lighting the night sky with breathtaking and stunning effects.

Citing a possible reason for the evergreen appeal of fireworks, Mr Meng said: "When we punch out something into the sky, people from all over can see it. Because of the explosion, the sounds and the colour, people will want to watch it; and I think in local custom, when you see fireworks, it will bring you good luck!"

The event is free and open to all members of the public. Over 300,000 people are expected to be in attendance.

Recommended viewing areas include the Padang, Esplanade Park, Marina Promenade, Marina Centre, Marina South and Kallang Basin.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to walk to the venue and to take public transport instead of driving.