The last two ’SG50 Concert Series in the Parks‘ held in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio and Admiralty Parks drew over 20,000 people. They got to enjoy ‘live’ performances by popular local talents such as Kit Chan, Olivia Ong, Jeremy Monteiro, Rani Singam, Jack & Rai and Broadway Beng Sebastian Tan. To many, the transformation of the two heartland parks into vibrant concert grounds was a rare sight. For the performers, it was an equally refreshing experience showcasing their talent under the stars in a park setting. Despite the unusual concert venues, families and friends had plenty of fun picnicking and listening to their favourite performers. Around 15,000 people attended the concert at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (top), while the concert at Admiralty Park (bottom) drew over 6,000 people. The next instalment of ‘SG50 Concert Series in the Park’ will take place at the Singapore Botanic Gardens this Jubilee Weekend (7–9 August). The concerts mark the culmination of activities to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary in the Gardens. Performances will take place at both the Bandstand and at the Symphony Stage. On 7 August, at the Symphony Stage, concert-goers can enjoy performances from a stellar line-up of artistes including Rui En, Taufik Batisah, Shabir, Corrinne May, and Olivia Ong. Stars from yesteryears such as Mel & Joe and Robert Fernando recreate the atmosphere reminiscent of the ‘Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat’, or People’s Variety Show, that was first held in the Gardens in 1959. Vernetta Lopez and Suhaimi Yusof will be hosting the star-studded event. At the Bandstand, visitors can enjoy more classical fare from the T’ang Quartet. On 8 August, visitors can catch performances by The Sam Willows and the Singapore Lyric Opera at the Symphony Stage, while Brass Nation will perform at the Bandstand. On 9 August, before the start of the parade, Wicked Aura, Lorraine Tan and others will be performing at the Symphony Stage. The day’s activities will culminate with the ‘live’ telecast of the National Day Parade. In addition to all these amazing stage performances, visitors can try their hands at childhood games and snack on kacang putih and other nostalgic tidbits, as well as other interesting activities. Find out more about the performances online. Following the Jubilee Weekend, the entertainment continues with three more SG50 concerts for the rest of the year at Bedok Reservoir Park on 26 September,  Jurong Central Park on 31 October, and Gardens by the Bay on 19 December. The upcoming concerts will feature contemporary classical and easy-listening music, xinyao and Christmas songs. Besides outdoor concerts, our green spaces are great for mass picnics and movie-screenings! On 7 August, join us at our ’SG50 Family Picnic at the Park to picnic and catch a night movie with family and friends at any of the three heartland parks – West Coast, Pasir Ris and Sembawang Parks where an array of fun-filled activities await you: family cycling and trampoline at West Coast Park; guided nature walks at Pasir Ris Park; and a terrarium-making workshop at Sembawang park.  For more details, please visit NParks website for more information.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The Singapore Botanic Gardens has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting on 4 July 2015. Read on to find out more! It is only through the support of the community that the Gardens was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To thank you for your support over the years, we are hosting a month-long celebration and you are invited! Apart from the concerts, the Gardens is hosting “Botanical Inspiration”, an exhibition comprising two showcases that highlight the Gardens’ rich orchid heritage from 10 July. In celebration of the National Orchid Garden’s 20th anniversary, all local visitors are granted free entry into the garden from 10 July to 31 August 2015. Click here to find out more!