Jubilee Big Walk will include performances, art gallery and carnival
With performances, an art gallery and a carnival, it's more than just a walk
When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong takes part in next Sunday's SG50 Jubilee Big Walk (JBW) 2015, it will mark the end of our nation's SG50 celebrations.
And 25,000 Walkers can expect a day to remember.
The Walk is organised by the People's Association (PA) and The New Paper.
Details of the 5km Walk were revealed at a media conference at PA headquarters yesterday.
It will start at the National Museum of Singapore and end at The Meadow at Gardens By the Bay.
Mr Ken Jalleh Jr, 58, co-chairman of the JBW organising committee, said: "We have a big turnout of about 25,000 in this year's Walk and the highest value of $880 for the goodie bag.
"The limited-edition SG50 medallion and the commemorative passport filled with brief insights and illustrations of the 20 landmarks that Walkers will pass will remind them they were once a part of a historical event."
INCLUSIVE
Mr Ang Hak Seng, 55, PA's chief executive director, said this will be an inclusive Walk.
He said: "This Walk is not just another walk as this is the people's Walk, inclusive of everyone.
"People of different races, socioeconomic backgrounds and needs will come together.
"As we walk past the historical landmarks and towering skyscrapers, we will be reminded of the pioneers' hard work and how far we've come as a nation."
Programme highlights
Performances by PA arts and culture interest groups
Walkers will be energised and cheered by sounds of the Malay kompang, South Indian drums, Chinese drums, fusion percussion players and the Eurasian Performing Group.
The performances will be along the route from the Asian Civilisations Museum to the National Gallery Singapore.
More than 150 PAssionArts Ukelele Network players will accompany walkers during the last stretch of the Walk.
PAssionArts Works Of Wonder (W.O.W!) Gallery (above)
Along the route at The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay, Walkers can view large arts installations that were created by residents and artists at the recent PAssionArts Festival 2015.
Meet and greet Chingay 2016 talents
At the end of the route, Walkers can see the Chingay 2016 characters in their costumes.
Stilt walkers and buskers will also be there to entertain and interact with participants.
Carnival
A carnival will be organised for Walkers, with booth games, and performances by artists such as Justin Misson and Sebastian Tan as Broadway Beng.
Much planning involved
Mr Alvin Yeo, chairman of community engagement for the Walk, said the People's Association - which represents the heartlanders - hopes to bring the community together through this event.
Mr Yeo, 51, told The New Paper: " We're happy to be involved in this SG50 event as it won't come our way again."
Mr Lawrence Ng, 52, has taken part in several Big Walks.
He is now the vice-chairman of the organising committee for the Walk. He arranges and oversees programming for the Walk.
Mr Ng said: "It's challenging, but we're glad to be in this organising committee as this event rounds up the whole SG50 celebrations wonderfully."
Safety is a priority and it is being handled by Mr Justin Foo, 58, vice-chairman of the organising committee for the Walk.
Mr Foo and other committee members recce sites and plan safety precautions, working with the Traffic Police, Singapore Mass Rapid Transit, and Singapore Civil Defence Force to make sure the event is safe.
For example, they make sure the route is wide enough for everyone to walk. They also set plans in case of emergencies such as fires.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now