Singapore’s most spectacular countdown event is back after two years

Produced by SilverKris for STAR ISLAND SINGAPORE

Those staying in Singapore this New Year’s Eve are in for an enviable treat as STAR ISLAND, presented by JCB, once again lights up Marina Bay with fireworks on 31 December 2022, after a two-year hiatus.

Previous editions of the countdown event have delivered memorable entertainment, stage performances and, of course, breath-taking pyrotechnics – and this year will raise the bar even further. To mark its comeback, STAR ISLAND will go all-out with a futuristic take on Japan’s beloved summertime hanabi festivals, where people gather outdoors in the evenings to eat, drink and enjoy fireworks together.

Some 22,000 ticket-holders will be treated to a sensory spectacle at The Float @ Marina Bay, involving immersive sound technology, live performances, laser shows, drones and fireworks – all with glittering Marina Bay as the backdrop. Incidentally, it’s also the last hurrah for The Float before it is redeveloped into the ambitious new events and recreation space, NS Square.

Fireworks are par for the course on New Year’s Eve, you might think – but this is no ordinary display. These fireworks come as part of an 80-minute show, called Life – Beyond the Time, set to a rousing original soundtrack.

Highlights of the fireworks display include 10 artisanal bursts that have never been seen in Southeast Asia before. This type of fireworks recently won the Prime Minister Award at the Omagari Fireworks Competition, said to be “Japan’s Olympics of fireworks”.

This year’s show also unveils the “gradation shell effect”, which will pay tribute to Singapore with special colour-gradation fireworks in red and white. Beyond fireworks and live performances, there will also be drones – an impressive 400 of them, all flying in unison to create plenty of Instagrammable moments.

In the lead-up to the ticketed fireworks and entertainment extravaganza on New Year’s Eve, visitors can soak up the festive atmosphere from 25–30 December 2022 at the Prequel event taking place the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza. It’s free to enter and runs from 2:30pm–10:30pm.

Expect booths by Australian wine producer Penfolds, Japanese spirit powerhouse Beam Suntory and plenty of family-friendly activities. An enormous screen will play footage from previous STAR ISLAND fireworks displays, to warm visitors up for the real event on 31 December.

With global payment brand JCB on board as a title sponsor, JCB card holders are in for a few extra perks during the event. For starters, your cards will be accepted across the STAR ISLAND event grounds.

What’s more, recent JCB receipts from purchases made at participating JCB retail outlets in Singapore will entitle you to redeem a free drink at Prequel to STAR ISLAND from 25–30 Dec, at MBS Event Plaza. Drink options include a selection of beers, wines and spirits, which you can enjoy at the dedicated rest area. Non-alcoholic options will also be available.

Visit the JCB Special Offers website for more info on an upcoming giveaway.

With Sanrio as a premium sponsor for the event, fans of the kawaii characters will have much to be giddy about. STAR ISLAND 2022’s ambassador, Hello Kitty, and her friends My Melody and Kuromi, will be meeting their fans every day during Sanrio Hour, between 7pm-8pm, at the Prequel. You’ll also want your cameras ready for a never-before-seen giant inflatable Kuromi that will also be on-site.

And that’s not all: a dedicated Sanrio pop-up store will be selling merchandise – including special DJ Hello Kitty x STAR ISLAND collab merchandise.

The day of the main event will be equally exciting for Sanrio fans. The pop-up store will move to The Float area, and all the beloved characters will be present for photo opportunities. A dedicated Sanrio Boulevard, featuring a Gudetama Garden and a Sanrio characters ball pit, will also do their part in making this a memorable New Year’s celebration for all visitors.

STAR ISLAND Singapore Countdown takes place on 31 December 2022, from 5pm onwards, at The Float @ Marina Bay. Tickets range from S$88 to S$10,888 for a 10-person suite. Learn more and purchase your tickets on the official website. The Prequel event takes place 25–30 December 2022 at the Marina Bay Event Plaza, from 2:30–10:30pm, and is free to the public.