‘Celebrate Singapore’ SG50 Gala Night, Melbourne Australia 8 August 2015, Bourke Ballroom, The Hotel Windsor

 

Singaporeans in Victoria gathered on 8 August 2015 at the heritage 5 star Windsor Hotel to celebrate Singapore’s Golden Jubilee. The event was organized by the Merlion Club and attended by Singaporeans and their families in Melbourne. Singapore celebrities Joe Augustin and Petrina Kow who flew in specially to emcee the evening brought a slice of Singapore here to Melbourne. The evening started with speeches commemorating this historical milestone as well as the singing of national anthem, ‘Majulah Singapura’ and the cutting of SG50 cake. Guests were then treated to a sumptuous chef created three-course dinner and wine. The evening’s program started with a bang with an energetic and mesmerizing Indian Bollywood performance by the Sapphire Dance Group. This was followed by young Singapore student Julia Kok and her band singing some Singapore and Mandarin songs. Then the Chinese cultural dancers from the Kita Performing Arts enthralled with their graceful movements and traditional costumes.

 

After dessert was served, the Peranakan Chorus entertained with their rendition of Singapore folk songs and a joget dance. The evening’s program climaxed with a performance by professional Singaporean singer May Johnston who nearly brought the house down with her powerful vocals and an emotional rendition of ‘The Greatest Love of All’.  Then it was time for guests to let their hair down on the dance floor which most did with gusto. The evening ended with a sing-a-long of two Singapore favourites, ‘Singapura oh Singapura’ and ‘Home’ and a midnight countdown to 9 August (Singapore’s 50^th national day). It was certainly a great end to the night where there was fabulous camaraderie and a wonderful celebration of our Singapore identity and culture.