New Year countdown promises grand fireworks show

New Year countdown promises grand fireworks show

Singapore's 50th anniversary year is set to end with a bang - in fact, thousands of them.

The 2016 New Year countdown will feature an eight-minute fireworks extravaganza that will span the length of Marina Bay.

Nearly 4,000 fireworks will be launched into the night sky - almost twice last year's number - from 35 locations on the water. "We want everybody gathering around the bay to have a good view of this spectacular display," said Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) director for place management Jason Chen.

Jointly organised by URA and Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, the event will also feature a 3D projection display on The Fullerton Hotel's facade, showing heritage icons such as Peranakan shophouses.

"I'm looking forward to it, sounds like this year's fireworks will be different and bigger than before," said bank executive Ken Taw, 27.

Close to 300,000 people are expected to attend, and police plan to deploy extra officers to boost security. If MRT stations are overcrowded, trains may bypass affected stations to alleviate congestion.


This article was first published on December 24, 2015.
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