Chingay Parade to go fully digital, showcase talent videos next year

Winning entries in contests to feature in show on TV, social media and online platforms

Performers coming together at the close of the Chingay Parade this year. Next year's digital parade will showcase a blend of old and new cultural performances and feature about 2,000 performers and 150 organisations.
Performers coming together at the close of the Chingay Parade this year. Next year's digital parade will showcase a blend of old and new cultural performances and feature about 2,000 performers and 150 organisations. ST FILE PHOTO

The annual Chingay Parade will be back again next year, but will go fully digital for the first time.

And Singapore residents will get a chance to take part in the parade as part of a community engagement campaign called Jalan Jalan with Chingay, said the People's Association (PA) in a statement yesterday.

Individuals and groups can submit a one-minute video showcasing their hidden talents for the We've Got Talent category, or submit a video of their singing prowess for the Sing With Me category.

There is also a dance competition, which aims to showcase young people performing dance numbers that combine different elements of local dance cultures - jazzed up with their own unique styles and interpretations.

The organisers will select video submissions from any of these categories to win prizes and feature in the Chingay show, which will be broadcast on Feb 20 at 8pm.

The Jalan Jalan with Chingay campaign is also asking people to design their own Chingay floats and costumes. Dubbed Let's Build A Float and Sew (So) Stylo, the programmes are expected to launch next month.

Fans of products designed and made locally will also be able to buy them online at the Chingay Mama Shop from January.

Those who submit video and design entries could see their submissions featured on Chingay TV - a microsite that compiles videos submitted by the community.

With the theme "Light of Hope", next year's Chingay - running for the 49th year - will be broadcast on TV, social media and online platforms, said the PA statement.

DBS Singapore will return as a corporate partner for Chingay 2021 to support community outreach efforts, it added.

PA chief executive director Lim Hock Yu said: "The Chingay theme is about how each and every one of us in the community represents a sparkle of light to bring hope and warmth to one another. It reflects our core belief that as we unite as a community, we will emerge stronger together."

The digital parade will showcase a blend of old and new cultural performances, as well as traditional and emerging art forms featuring about 2,000 performers and 150 organisations, said PA. It added that the aim is to "elevate the Chingay viewing experience".

For instance, choreographed computer-generated imagery will be used to enhance dragon dance and pole act performances.

A lion dance performance featuring 100 lions from troupes from about 10 countries and cities will also be featured through a compilation of videos. PA said the performance will reflect the spirit of overcoming challenges together.

Those who wish to submit their entries or find out more about next year's Chingay can visit this website or get more updates on the Chingay Facebook and Instagram pages.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 27, 2020, with the headline Chingay Parade to go fully digital, showcase talent videos next year. Subscribe