Swinging Into Orchard Road: Buskers Get the Green Light
Singapore’s streets are getting a new beat this December. The police have opened the doors for buskers to jam at The Heeren, 313@Somerset, Knightsbridge, and Mandarin Gallery. That’s four spots where performers can turn sidewalks into stages.
Why the Change?
- After the tragic Halloween crush in Seoul’s Itaewon, authorities tightened safety checks everywhere.
- Previously, a ban hit seven Orchard Road malls from 7 pm to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Now, an engaging sit‑down with the National Arts Council (NAC), the police, and busking community members has eased those restrictions.
What’s the New Deal?
- Buskers can perform daily between 10 am and 10 pm, except on Christmas Eve when it’s cut back to 10 am‑7 pm.
- After 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, all mall facades—Ion Orchard, Wisma Atria, and Ngee Ann City—remain off‑limits from Dec 9 to 31.
- Buskers in the four approved spots must lottery their slots. Applications open Nov 30 – Dec 2.
- Community can pause performances if crowds become too dense.
Staying Safe Amid the Festivities
The police are mindful that Orchard Road terrifies crowds, especially on Christmas Eve. Limited exits and the tendency for people to swarm corners make it a recipe for a crush—so the presence of buskers has to be balanced.
“Even without busking, the police are concerned about the crowd on Christmas Eve,” the officers said, adding that they’re working with all stakeholders to keep everyone safe.
Marina Bay Matters Too
- Five spots in Marina Bay will see restrictions from 7 pm on New Year’s Eve.
- Other sites like Empress Place and Esplanade Park remain free for performers.
- With fireworks and the Marina Bay Countdown, crowds will swell; open spaces will close if a threshold is hit.
Real Voices from the Street
27‑year‑old circus busker Mr. Bryan Wong told us, “It feels great that our concerns were heard. Even if we’d love a 7‑pm window at Ion Orchard and Wisma Atria, this is a step forward.”
He pointed out the prime positions of those malls—especially the steps outside that draw the crowd—yet acknowledged Christmas traffic will bring its own congestion, especially with the Great Christmas Village pop‑ups.
Final Notes
The NAC reminds all parties that “vibrancy on our streets has to come hand‑in‑hand with safety.” Meanwhile, the police keep a watchful eye on crowd density to prevent a stampede. So grab your microphones, plan your slots, and enjoy the rhythm of Orchard Road—just keep an eye on the crowd flow!
