FIREWORKS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH A BIG BANG

The Marina Bay night sky was set alight with a myriad of colourful fireworks on the opening night of the Singapore Fireworks Festival (SFF) 2006 on 5 Aug.

Launched by guest-of-honour President S R Nathan, SFF 2006 was off to a dazzling start with Team Italty, led by choreographer Mr Francesco Ambrico, showcasing a loud, dynamic and passionate display themed "Dynamic City".

Held in conjunction with the National Day celebrations, the annual event is in its third year and is held over four separate days.

Still to come:

• 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.

Each individually choreographed musical fireworks display will be approximately 12 to 15 minutes long and will all commence at 9 pm.

In total, over 9,000 rounds of fireworks will be used, with the highest ones set to reach a vertical height of about 350 metres.

Get ready to 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.

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.