Photo taken on Jan. 1, 2017 shows the fireworks celebrating New Year during the Marina Bay Singapore 2017 Countdown at Marina Bay in Singapore. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
SINGAPORE, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Singapore welcomes the year of 2017 with celebrations island-wide from Marina Bay, Suntec City, to the heartlands.
Thousands of people have arrived at Marina Bay early, waiting to experience city state's iconic fireworks display to usher in the New Year. As 2016 draws to a close, spectators cheered while watching the colorful fireworks display with light, laser and flames for the first time.
Four special fireworks has been introduced before midnight in Marina Bay Singapore Countdown celebration. These fireworks punctuated a one-minute light, laser and fire display taking place in the center of the Bay just after each hourly façade show on the Fullerton Hotel.
The façade of the hotel was illuminated and animated with 3D projection display that transforms and highlights the National Monument's unique architectural features with a spectrum of patterns and colors.
"The fireworks choreography and projection mapping design reflect this spirit of A New Dawn. They remind us that no matter what 2016 has been like for each of us, the sun will still rise on 2017, illuminating new opportunities and possibilities that we can all hope for and look forward to," said Joseph Tan, Head for Program Management (Music and Planning) of The Esplanade Co Ltd.
Besides, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown celebration also extended beyond the Bay to include the Civic District for the first time. The precinct, closed to traffic on New Year's Eve, was transformed into a people-friendly and activity-filled space. The public can join in a variety of activities catering to different interests and groups, such as music concert Rock On! 2017, the Marina Waterfront Bazaar, free movie screenings BounceOFF! Fiesta 2016 etc.
In addition, Mediacorp held its countdown party at Suntec City. Thousands of party-goers convened next to the Fountain of Wealth to welcome the New Year. The street countdown party kicked off at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, lasting for seven hours of non-stop performances by local talents.
According to local newspaper the Straits Times, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined in Singaporeans at the Teck Ghee Countdown Party. Lee wishes Singapore peace, progress, prosperity in the New Year.
