A Surprise Start to the New Year
Thevin Ong usually spends New Year’s Eve at home, but a spur of the moment decision to attend Countdown 2026 at The Kallang turned what would have been a quiet evening into an exciting start to the year for the 19-year-old National Serviceman.
Ong was unveiled as the lucky winner of The Kallang Pass, securing a pair of tickets for year-long access to concerts, sporting events and live experiences at the National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“Normally, I would be at home with my family but everybody went overseas this year. I was planning to just stay at home, but my friend convinced me to come to The Kallang for the countdown celebration. I thought I wasn’t going to do anything today, but I happened to win The Kallang Pass,” said Ong, adding that he is looking forward to attending Eric Chou《Odyssey · Stars》at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in April.
“I’m really excited, and I will be at The Kallang a lot more for the concerts.”
The Kallang Pass Takes Centre Stage
The Kallang Pass was one of the highlights of the Countdown 2026 at The Kallang, where visitors gathered to enjoy family-friendly fun and entertaining live music acts. Countdown 2026, which marks The Kallang Group’s first event after its rebranding in November 2025, also featured Singapore’s longest display of fireworks.
A Fireworks Spectacle Across the Precinct
Starting from 9pm, the highly-anticipated firework show lasted 35 minutes across four chapters, captivating visitors throughout the precinct with magnificent bursts of colour that lit up the sky.
From Stadium Roar to OCBC Square to the Beach Volleyball Courts and Water Sports Centre, there was something for everyone across the various locations. Visitors had numerous opportunities to tailor their own countdown experience according to their preference, starting with complimentary Glam Bar services that included face painting and temporary tattoos to kick off the festivities in style.
Festive Parade and Family-Friendly Fun
The Festive Parade provided a treat for the senses with performers moving through the OCBC Square, Water Sports Centre and the Riverside Walk in a colourful procession featuring LED fairy wings, Tron-inspired dancers and punchy drumbeats.
Families at the OCBC Square outside the Kallang Wave Mall were spoilt for choice with the variety of activities on offer. Highlights included a puppet show and the interactive Lava Floor Game, a crowd favourite which saw children make repeat visits as they formulated strategies to survive.
Lau Ee Jean was one such participant – the six-year-old played the game three times, accompanied by her younger brother Ee Zen and parents Jean Oh and Zach Lau. The family arrived at The Kallang in the early evening for a picnic dinner at the Water Sports Centre, before experiencing the various activities on offer around the precinct.
Fireworks Made for Families
The myriad of family-friendly offerings, coupled with the early start to the fireworks, were among the factors that brought the family to Countdown 2026 at The Kallang. Mother Oh, who sported matching face gems with daughter Ee Jean, said: “I actually do like that they have the fireworks at 9pm. That was something that caught my eye when I was searching (for places to go); at most of the places the fireworks are at around 11.59pm.”
“When we came, it was still early and we could have some food in peace. The weather is pretty good as well, it’s windy and wasn’t raining, so this is good.”
Music for Every Mood
The musical entertainment options, ranging from slow and soulful to catchy and upbeat, proved to be a hit with all ages as well.
Seasoned local street busker Evan Goh kicked off the breezy evening by serenading visitors at the Water Sports Centre with his moving ballads. Less than 200m away, families enjoyed popular tunes during the Kids’ Sing-along with street busker Rong Tin at the OCBC Square, which later also hosted an electrifying live performance by local rising star WhyLucas.
At Stadium Roar outside the National Stadium, the Countdown 2026 Concert ensured an epic evening of rousing performances by popular global stars and local music artistes. K-pop group SUPER JUN thrilled the crowd with their energetic displays and slick dance moves, with the line-up comprising new hits such as Express Mode and old favourite Sorry, Sorry. The Countdown 2026 main stage also featured regional artiste Cheng Huan and local singers such as Benjamin Kheng, Iman Fandi and Tabitha Nauser, as well as DJs Inquisitive and Farah Farz.
A Laid-back Beach Club Experience
Live screenings of the concert also added a touch of vibrance to the low-key, relaxed setting of the newly-introduced Beach Club – another highlight of Countdown 2026 which allowed ticketholders to unwind in a quieter environment.. With gazebos, tables and strings of dazzling lights, the Beach Volleyball Courts were transformed into a laid-back space perfect for families and friends to connect while enjoying unblocked views of the fireworks away from the crowds.
Neighbours Gerhard Lanyi and Deedee Baker were at the Beach Club with both their families, and their group comprised at least 15 people aged between four and in their 40s.
Lanyi was impressed with the array of food and beverage options, while Baker hailed the Beach Club as an “amazing” concept.
“The energy, the vibe – it’s like you’re at the beach but you’re not actually at the beach, and the kids love the sand,” she added.
Making Time for What Matters
For healthcare professional Priscilla Lim, the Beach Club was a pleasant experience not only because of the comfortable atmosphere and cool weather, but also because it was a valuable opportunity for family time.
The 40-year-old was with her husband John Tan, 41, and their daughters Reese and Renee, aged 12 and 10 respectively.
Tan, also a healthcare professional, explained that the family usually stayed in for New Year’s Eve, but decided to spend the evening at The Kallang this time as the children had grown up and wanted to watch the fireworks.
Lim, whose daughters were building sandcastles, added: “We thought it would be nice to spend time with the children – it’s a good time to just empty your mind, settle down, listen to the music and think about the coming year. The vibe is quite good and it’s windy, and it’s suitable for kids.”
Looking Ahead to More to Come
They were among many in the precinct who celebrated new beginnings amid the perfect backdrop of vibrant activities and enthralling fireworks. Even as Countdown 2026 marked the end of the year that just passed, the multitude of all-encompassing experiences is a prelude to an even more exciting slate of community events coming up at The Kallang. More updates will be shared on our website, so stay tuned.
