If there’s any district that grew up with me and moulded me into an adult – a Singaporean adult – it’s Kampong Glam, my most beloved neighbourhood on the island.
I’ve been stalking the back alleys of Kampong Glam since I was cutting my teeth on shisha and first boyfriends. My wardrobe matured on vintage picks from Haji Lane, my music taste expanded through the bass underground at Blu Jaz, my love for Malay food blossomed at Maimunah and Minang House.
Nestled amongst the Iranian carpet dealers, Turkish restaurants and Malay fabric shops that have withstood the test of time, are an array of newer arrivals that have since made this old-school neighbourhood incredibly hip.
However the district still retain its old world charm, despite the many hipster cafés and indie boutiques that have multiplied over the years.
Also, who can resist a warm cup of teh tarik with friends at Kampong Glam on weekend nights?
The Spirit Of Gotong Royong
If you’re constantly wondering what else is there to do at Kampong Glam asides eating and shopping for fabrics, you’ll be pleased to know that a host of exciting programmes await you this weekend.
In support of URA’s Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out on 24th November, Arab street will be closed from 3pm till midnight to host a series of activities fit for the entire family.
Here are some activities you can expect at Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out:
1. Classic Cars Display
You don’t see many classic cars in Singapore, but they do exist!
If you love all things classic and retro, head down to the event to catch a spectacular collection of classic cars by Malaysia And Singapore Vintage Car Register (MSVCR).
2. Art Jamming
From jumping around in bouncy castles to dressing up as Marvel characters, there’s something for the kids to look forward to at Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out!
3. Live Performances
Hyping up the crowd at Kampong Glam is Beats Encore – a live percussion and drums ensemble from Republic Polytechnic.
This youthful crew is made up of young, aspiring and impartial musos who believe in uplifting their traditional drums and percussions like none other.
4. Street Art
From its underground graffiti roots in the mid-1990s to its current mainstream renaissance, Singapore’s street art movement has come a long way.
Presented by street art collective RSCLS and Jaba, catch them in action as they paint the town red.
This event has been rallied together by the merchants, religious & arts institutions, organic arts groups, varied performers and many others, who make up Kampong Glam’s neighbourhood.
If you’re not planning on getting a haircut at a hipster barbershop or sipping tea at one of the many cafés at Arab Street this Saturday, 24th November, head on down to Kampong Glam Heritage Day Out to relive your younger days and school excursions.
Kampong Heritage Day Out
Address: Arab Street
Date: 24 November 2018
Time: 4pm – 10pm
Website
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(Header Image Source: One Kampong Gelam)
