Happy New Year! After a 2-year hiatus, STAR ISLAND returned with an eminent bang on New Year’s Eve, welcoming 2023 with a stunning firework display at its 2022-2023 Countdown Edition. Set against the iconic Marina Bay skyline, the musical polychromatic display entertained a crowd of over 20,000 and over 600,000 viewership during their final performance at The Float. The show captivated the public through its run, with continuous applause and cheers even as the clock struck midnight.
In conjunction with Marina Bay Singapore Countdown (MBSC), the show was hosted at The Float at Marina Bay. Organised by Avex Asia, presented by major global payment brand, JCB, and Sanrio as a Premium Sponsor, STAR ISLAND is a futuristic take on Japan’s Hanabi (Japanese for ‘fireworks’) summer tradition, where spectators gather over food and drinks to enjoy the fireworks.
This year’s show, based on the storyline of ‘LIFE –Beyond The Time–’ that follows a ‘Space and Time’ concept, took the audience through 6 immersive chapters inspired by the connection of life and time, and was conceptualised by Creative Director Kenji Kohashi.
The audience was enraptured by the world-class symphony drones showcase, laser light works, pyrotechnics and fireworks, all synchronised to an enchanting soundtrack using cutting-edge technology of 3D surround sound. The drone ballet featured a choreography of 400 flying devices which depicted the historical journey of Singapore from past to present, including designs of a junk boat, Singapore’s flag as well as the Merlion.
The show marked the debut of artisanal “Gradation Effect Shell’’ fireworks, which have been designed to bloom in Singapore’s stunning colours, a red-to-white gradation across the sky. 10 award-winning special bursts of fireworks also painted the night skies for the very first time, each firework hand-crafted by Japan’s finest firework artisans.
The show’s prelude featured fan favourite Sanrio characters Hello Kitty (Ambassador of STAR ISLAND), Kuromi and My Melody, along with 5 surprise bursts of Hello Kitty fireworks. DJ Hello Kitty made a special appearance as she took to the decks for the first time in Singapore to get the party started. Kids and Sanrio fans also entertained themselves at the Sanrio Boulevard: Sanrio characters ball pit, a Gudetama Garden and Sanrio characters pop-up store.
Encouraged by the turnout, STAR ISLAND is considering returning for another firework extravaganza. Keep your eyes peeled!
Featured image credit to STAR ISLAND
