First look at Gardens by the Bay’s free Children’s Festival featuring Disney’s Winnie the Pooh
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Catch the South-east Asian debut of Pooh’s Grand Friendship Party, a 10-minute song-and-dance parade.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
SINGAPORE – To make the June school holidays as sweet as honey, Gardens by the Bay is inviting families to its annual free Children’s Festival, which returns with outdoor play activities inspired by Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet.
Running from May 30 to June 21, the event also celebrates a historic milestone: the 100th publishing anniversary of the classic children’s book series that introduced these characters and their adventures in Hundred Acre Wood. The tales were first published on Oct 14, 1926, by English author A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H. Shepard.
The Straits Times was given an exclusive preview on May 26 of how these beloved stories are being brought to life beneath the gardens’ iconic Supertrees.
A festival highlight is the South-east Asian debut of Pooh’s Grand Friendship Party, a 10-minute song-and-dance parade. The spectacle features whimsical inflatables of Pooh and his best friends towering up to 7m, supported by more than 25 performers.
And because no celebration is complete without dessert, the parade culminates in a delightful surprise: a giant, inflatable three-tiered cake.
The parade takes place every Saturday at 3.30 and 5.30pm, with the exception of the opening day on May 30, which features only one show at 3.30pm. Gather around the lawn in front of the Jurassic Nest foodcourt ahead of time to secure the best vantage point.
Mr Alex Baillie, The Walt Disney Company’s vice-president and general manager of Disney Consumer Products in South Asia Pacific, says: “For a century, Winnie the Pooh has charmed audiences with stories rooted in sincerity and simplicity. As more people seek mindfulness and joy in the everyday, the charm and gentleness of the Hundred Acre Wood feels more relevant than ever – and at Disney, this kind of timeless storytelling is at the heart of what we do.”
“At the same time, each character reflects something deeply human – Tigger’s enthusiasm, Eeyore’s honesty, Piglet’s quiet courage – reminding fans that they can be themselves and still belong.”
The festival provides an opportunity for long-time fans to reconnect with these characters, and for new generations to discover them for the first time, he adds.
Participants who are at least 1.2m tall and weigh a minimum of 20kg can hop on The Hundred Acre Glide zipline.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
For kids looking to add a little thrill to their storybook adventure, they can hop on The Hundred Acre Glide zipline. Participants must be at least 1.2m tall, weigh a minimum of 20kg and wear closed-toe shoes.
The attraction features two 16m-long parallel lines, making this perfect for a friendly race against a sibling, friend or an accompanying adult.
Younger children under the age of six are not left out of the excitement. When accompanied by an adult, they can explore four play zones designed around the personalities of the Disney characters.
The Joyful Puddles trampoline play space allows kids to mimic Tigger’s enthusiastic bouncing in the sun.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
High-energy fun awaits at The Joyful Puddles, where puddle-shaped trampolines allow kids to mimic Tigger’s enthusiastic bouncing in the sun.
The Brave Logs play zone features balance-beam adventure inspired by Piglet.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Nearby, little ones can test their courage at The Brave Logs, a balance-beam adventure inspired by Piglet, which encourages them to take things one steady, courageous step at a time.
Aim and toss golden-yellow rubber balls into honeycomb-themed hoops at the Sweetest Drops challenge.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
The Sweetest Drops challenges kids to aim and toss golden-yellow rubber balls into honeycomb-themed hoops, mimicking Pooh’s quests for his favourite honey.
The Enchanted Meadows features see-saws set in a “flower field” with Eeyore.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Meanwhile, those looking for a gentler, more relaxing pace can head over to The Enchanted Meadows, featuring see-saws set in a “flower field” with Eeyore.
Before diving into the fun, families should pick up a free Winnie the Pooh-themed activity booklet. Collect five stamps around the festival grounds to redeem an exclusive sticker sheet, available while stocks last.
Children aged 12 and under can also enjoy free admission to Blue Beauties, a hydrangea floral display inside the Flower Dome. Standard admission charges of $12 apply for accompanying adults. This promotion is for Singapore residents only.
The Hundred Acre Glide zipline features two 16m-long parallel lines.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
“School holidays may be brief, but the memories families make here last a lifetime,” says Gardens by the Bay chief executive Felix Loh. “We are grateful to every family who chooses to spend their holidays with us.”
Book It/Gardens by the Bay’s Children’s Festival featuring Disney’s Winnie the Pooh
Where: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
When: May 30 to June 21, 10am to 9pm daily (play spaces close at 7pm)
Admission: Free; separate charges apply for carnival games and selected workshops
Info: str.sg/Jrftk
