Singapore’s People’s Variety Show is back at a new garden at the Botanic Gardens.
The new Heritage Garden has bloomed on the same lawn where the country’s first “Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat”, or People’s Variety Show, took place many years ago.
When founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew officially opened the inaugural People’s Variety Show in 1959, he said to an audience of 22,000: “Here, under open skies, Malays, Chinese, Indians will, I hope, discover the materials for a national art and national culture.”
Today, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong opened the garden, as well as the People’s Variety Show.
Hosted by television personality Suhaimi Yusof, visitors were treated to tunes from popular local artistes and groups including Ramli Sarip, Roy Li Feihui, MICapella, Shabir, The Main Wayang Singers and Sebastian Tan.
The concert, which was attended by about 6,000 people, kicked off the nine-day Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Week – a new annual event that will feature a series of performances and activities for the public to celebrate the gardens’ rich heritage.
The new Heritage Garden showcases plantings that reflect the variety of species introduced to Singapore through its Garden City campaign, especially plants that were utilised for their colour and fragrance.
More than 80 types of plants can be found in the garden, including species and cultivars of Bougainvillea, Brunfelsia and Gardenia.
Tomorrow (May 29), visitors can look forward to performances by Philharmonic Winds and the People’s Association Youth Chinese Orchestra.
A carnival will be held at Orchid Plaza near the National Orchid Garden from 11am to 5.00pm. Visitors can purchase food and beverages, take part in interactive activities and enjoy roving performances.
Singapore residents will enjoy free entry to the National Orchid Garden during the Heritage week. Visitors will have the opportunity to view a special orchid display at Burkill Hall, featuring 40 heritage orchids that have been named after historical figures or won international awards.
Orchids that will be displayed include Papilionanda Tan Chay Yan, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim Var. Agnes and Aranthera Anne Black.
Visitors are advised to take public transport to the Gardens. Shuttle bus services will be available from Botanic Gardens MRT station on May 29 from 10.30am to 8.30pm.
chenj@sph.com.sg
