Gardens by the Bay Unveils Fireflies-Inspired Light Show

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Photo Credits: https://www.shout.sg/

As Singapore approaches its 60th anniversary, Gardens by the Bay takes celebration to new heights with a fireflies-inspired light show that replaces traditional pyrotechnics. Running from 31 July to 3 August, SPARK invites visitors to witness thousands of glowing, biodegradable spheres floating silently over Supertree Grove. Conceived by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, this installation marries artistry, technology and sustainability to create a mesmerising aerial ballet.

Unlike the roar and residue of conventional fireworks, these delicate orbs drift on gentle fans, forming a glowing cloud that ebbs and flows like constellations on the breeze. Their hush and eco-friendly design ensure zero litter and minimal noise disruption, offering a contemplative alternative to the usual celebratory blast.

When and Where to Catch the Floating Lights

DateTimeLocationAdmission
31 July – 2 August8:00pm – 10:00pmSupertree Grove Lawn, Gardens by the BayFree
3 August9:00pm – 10:30pmSupertree Grove Lawn, Gardens by the BayFree

The open-lawn setting means no tickets or seat allocations are required. Arrive early with a picnic mat to claim your spot. Bayfront MRT (CE1/DT16) is the closest station, and extra bicycle racks will be provided beside The Meadow for cyclists.

Under the Glowing Canopy: What to Expect

Visitors to SPARK can look forward to:

  • A Silent Light Ballet
    Each tiny sphere is crafted from biodegradable material infused with luminous compounds. Once released, hidden fans propel them up to 50 metres in the air, creating a softly shifting three-dimensional cloud of light.
  • Clean, Green Celebration
    Traditional fireworks introduce heavy metals and microplastics into the environment. SPARK’s particles disintegrate naturally within hours, leaving no trace on soil or water.
  • Immersive Interaction
    Rather than a brief, fixed display, SPARK runs continuously. Guests can stroll beneath the floating lights, recline on the grass, or capture long-exposure photographs—all without earplugs.
  • Supertrees in Soft Glow
    During SPARK’s four-night run, the usual Garden Rhapsody sound-and-light show is paused. Instead, the Supertrees emit a gentle aura, framing the drifting sparks against the night sky.

The Visionary Behind the Installation

Rotterdam-based artist Daan Roosegaarde has long championed projects that blend ecological awareness with public art. His past works include the Smog Free Tower, which filters polluted air and transforms soot into solid jewellery, and Waterlicht, an ethereal flood simulation that highlights rising sea levels. With SPARK, Roosegaarde reimagines celebratory traditions, replacing bangs and smoke with silent, biodegradable wonder.

Since debuting in Bilbao in 2022, SPARK has toured cities from London to Tokyo, Melbourne to Auckland. Its Southeast Asian premiere in Singapore forms part of the SG60 festivities and marks a collaboration between Gardens by the Bay, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, IMBA and H&B, supported by GIC.

A Nostalgic Nod to Native Fireflies

Singapore’s waterways once teemed with fireflies along the Kallang and Ponggol rivers. Urban development saw their habitats shrink to remote mangroves on Pulau Ubin and Lim Chu Kang. SPARK’s floating lights pay homage to these vanishing luminaries, bringing their tranquil glow back to Marina Bay’s heart. Against the backdrop of Racial Harmony Month and National Day, the installation reminds visitors of the island’s ecological heritage and the need for sustainable progress.

Tips for an Unforgettable Visit

To make the most of your evening under drifting lights:

  • Plan Ahead: Gates open at 6:00pm. Take advantage of golden-hour lighting for early photography and sample SG60-inspired snacks from F&B kiosks.
  • Comfort Comes First: Bring mats or low chairs—lying back offers the best vantage of sparks floating up to 50 metres high.
  • Check Wind Conditions: Gentle breezes enhance the display, but strong gusts may pause spark releases for safety. Follow Gardens by the Bay’s social channels for live updates.
  • Keep It Green: Pack reusable bottles and skip disposable glow sticks. The biodegradable spheres provide ample illumination.
  • Extend Your Adventure: A short stroll over Dragonfly Bridge leads to the Floral Fantasy SG60 exhibit; the ArtScience Museum’s Future World gallery is offering half-price admission throughout August.

Redefining Public Festivities

Conventional fireworks can produce up to ten times more airborne particulates than a typical urban day. The deafening noise may unsettle pets and wildlife, while lingering debris requires extensive cleanup. In contrast, SPARK:

  • Emits almost no sound—only a soft hum from fans.
  • Utilises fully compostable materials, preventing microbead pollution.
  • Encourages longer, communal experiences; visitors often linger under the lights for an hour or more.

By integrating this installation, Gardens by the Bay reinforces its commitment to merging horticulture, art and climate-smart engineering. The Supertrees themselves harness solar power and harvest rainwater, making them the perfect stage for Roosegaarde’s sustainable spectacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SPARK truly free?

Yes. Entry to Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor areas remains complimentary, and SPARK does not require any admission fee.

Will there be crowd management?

Expect bag checks and one-way flows after 7:00pm. Once the Supertree Lawn reaches capacity, visitors will be directed to viewing points along nearby pathways.

What if it rains?

Light showers are unlikely to affect the installation. However, thunderstorms will result in pauses. No official rain dates are scheduled, so monitor Gardens by the Bay’s official channels for advisories.

Can I bring my dog?

Leashed dogs are permitted in outdoor zones. Keep pets at a comfortable distance in case drifting sparks cause surprise.

When does Garden Rhapsody return?

The regular light-and-sound show resumes from 4 August, featuring a special SG60 musical medley.

Looking Ahead: A Template for Sustainable Celebration

SPARK is more than a one-off art installation; it offers a blueprint for future civic festivities. As cities worldwide rethink carbon-heavy, noisy events, Singapore’s embrace of this fireflies-inspired light show demonstrates a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship. By trading smoke and clatter for silent, floating luminescence, SPARK invites audiences to pause, reflect and celebrate milestones in harmony with nature.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, an eco-conscious visitor or simply in search of a novel way to mark National Day’s eve, SPARK at Supertree Grove promises a night of floating lights and quiet wonder. Gather friends, roll out your picnic mat, and prepare for a celebration where the sky itself becomes the canvas of gentle celebration.

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