Sky lanterns, roving buskers and an LED-studded dragon brightened up the lawns at the People's Association headquarters last night at a garden party to thank grassroots leaders for their services.

About 4,200 leaders, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Cabinet members and Members of Parliament, attended the party in Jalan Besar, held at night for the first time.

Guests made handicrafts and watched live cooking demonstrations on how to make glutinous rice balls. They were also treated to performances, including acts by the Chinese orchestra, Indian ensemble, Malay gamelan ensemble and wind ensemble from Marsiling Community Club.

Many were keen to take selfies with Mr Lee. MPs and office-holders such as Mr Baey Yam Keng, Mr Liang Eng Hwa and Mr Tan Chuan-Jin gamely took pictures with guests which were uploaded on Facebook.

Aw Cheng Wei