Three-metre tall inflatable unicorns and green soldier mascots roaming around, interactive LED light installations, interlocking play block structures, as well as good, live music, had been amongst the highlights for party-goers who had attended this year’s Clarke Quay New Year’s Eve Countdown Block Party.

30,000 Revellers Present

Themed PLAY, there had been plenty of fun for the 30,000 revellers at Clarke Quay, which is being billed as Singapore’s top entertainment and food & beverage destination.

A unique conserved historical landmark that’s located along the iconic Singapore River, Clarke Quay is located within walking distance of the Clarke Quay and Fort Canning MRT Station, making it well accessible by public transport. 

Now, today, the site has been boldly restored and refurbished into five beautiful waterfront godowns under a climate-controlled canopy illuminated by colourful lighting, creating a modern and cosmopolitan ambience amidst the tradition and history.

I Checked Out The Party

To see in the New Year, I had been down to check out the Clarke Quay New Year’s Eve Countdown Block Party for myself. 

Anchored By 987FM Radio DJs

A free-admission party, the event was anchored by Singapore’s 987FM radio DJs Gerald Koh and Kimberly Wong together with local band Shirlyn + the UnXpected.

The music, which had been ongoing throughout the whole night was catchy and upbeat and rang through the entire Clarke Quay. 

I thought that it had been lively enough to bring out the party vibes in me, and I felt like dancing to the high-tempo beat of the songs that were being played.

Besides the music, the DJs also entertained the throngs of people with interesting stage games, calling for volunteers to “embarrass” themselves on stage in exchange for attractive prizes such as Clarke Quay discount vouchers of varying amounts. 

I admit that I had not been game enough to volunteer myself for these games, but I had thought that these were pretty hilarious to watch, nonetheless.

Clarke Quay Unicorns 

At the same time, I also walked around the Clarke Quay precinct, and managed to spot the three-metre unicorns walking around. There were about three of these unicorns altogether, moving together behind each other in single-file and I grabbed the chance to take a few photos with these creatures when I spotted them. 

I had thought that the sight of these unicorns definitely helped to spice up the atmosphere and add to the festive vibes at the party.

Play Block Structures 

I also managed to spot one of the three-dimensional play block structures, in the form of a tic-tac-toe game, and I decided to have a go at it, for nostalgia’s sake.

I had thought that the presence of such old-school, retro forms of entertainment were great in bringing out the festive vibes, as well and took me back to my childhood days, to some extent. 

Indeed, having a good mix of both olden-day playground elements and modern forms of party entertainment – appealed to partygoers of all ages, too.

As well, there was a pedal-powered LED wall, too, that lit up the harder you pedal, converting cycling power into beautiful illuminating lights and patterns.

I decided to try out the cycling wall too, as I thought this had been quite an interesting idea. I thought it had been pretty easy to light the wall up though. But it took about 30 seconds to a minute for me to do so.

As well, to bring out the party atmosphere even more and get into the spirit of the occasion, I could also see plenty of partygoers wearing LED-lit headbands mimicking various animal ears, that had included rabbits, cats and Mickey Mouse. It had been all in the name of fun and laughter.

Festivities Reach Fever-Pitch

The crowds at Clarke Quay gradually grew rapidly as the night wore on, with the festivities reaching fever-pitch when the partygoers thronged the Fountain Square to join in the sixty-second countdown to midnight.

Ringing In The New Year

And at the stroke of midnight, colourful confetti showered into the air, followed by the singing of Auld Lang Syne to officially herald in the New Year at Clarke Quay.

To me, the confetti had felt both beautiful and magical at the same time.

Photo credit: Clarke Quay

It also meant that 2018 was officially over. It was now 2019 in Singapore.

Celebrated together with everyone at the Fountain Square, as well as in restaurants, bars and clubs, the New Year’s Eve event had wrapped up Clarke Quay’s year-round parties and festivals for 2018.

Said Adrian Lai, Centre Manager, Clarke Quay, “It has been a brilliant year for us as we look forward to more wining, dining and good times in 2019.”

Night Still Young

But the night was still young, and the festivities were not over yet.

All around Clarke Quay, bars, clubs and restaurants shifted into high gear as the crowds at Fountain Square continued their celebrations well after midnight, and into the early hours of January 2019.

Looking To 2019

The Clarke Quay Countdown Block PartyLooking ahead in 2019, Clarke Quay has lined up a slew of exciting activities that include Valentine’s Day, Singapore Festival Of Fun and Music After Sevens in the first quarter of the year.

For More Information 

Head on to www.clarkequay.com.sg for more details.