As Singapore marks its 60^th birthday, i Light Singapore (iLSG) returns from 29 May to 21 June 2025, to illuminate the city and connect communities through captivating light installations and exciting programmes that foster sustainable lifestyles. Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and presented by UOB, Asia’s leading light festival will light up Marina Bay and neighbouring precincts, including returning satellite site South Beach and for the first time, new sites along the Singapore River and at Raffles Place. 

Anchored on the theme To Gather and inspired by the colour red – a wavelength on the visible light spectrum and in celebration of SG60 – the Festival will feature 17 new light art installations by 20 artists as well as a myriad of activities that aim to bring people from all backgrounds together to forge new memories and spark conversations on a more sustainable, shared future. 

“As we celebrate SG60 this year, it is apt that the theme for i Light Singapore 2025 puts the spotlight on the power of collective action. The Festival will once again illuminate Marina Bay and serve as a focal point where diverse individuals, groups and ideas converge to shape a more sustainable future together. We invite everyone to join us in an immersive experience and to be part of the meaningful activities, because a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future is one that we build together,” said Mr Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Executive Officer, URA. 

At the main festival ground of Marina Bay, captivating light art installations will invite visitors to interact with them and in the process, create art, sounds and memories together. Visitors can explore Take a walk through the meadow with me by Megan Tan and Tan Shao Xuan (Singapore) from the University of the Arts, London College of Communication. Located at the lawn beside the NTUC Building, the dynamic garden of 300 illuminated flowers was repurposed from acrylic waste discarded in the process of artwork-making at fabrication studios and workshops. These flowers respond to visitor presence with light and music, creating a sensory experience.

Visitors can also participate in the Design your own meadow memory acrylic charm do-it-yourself workshop, where they get to take a piece of the Festival home by upcycling offcuts of the installation into personalised charms. This echoes Singapore’s ongoing journey as a “Nation by Design”, where thoughtful design can help us shape meaningful experiences and solutions for a more sustainable future. Marina Bay Sands will host Piano Walk by Amigo & Amigo (Australia), transforming its outdoor Event Plaza by the Marina Bay waterfront into a stage for collaborative music. Each visitor’s steps on the larger-than-life piano collectively create unique melodies, coupled with an original composition that automatically plays every ten minutes.

At Clifford Square, located next to The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, Elementary by Tonoptik (Montenegro) brings a seemingly regular, flat screen to life, where visitors’ movements alter a virtual landscape on the screen inspired by the ocean, highlighting our relationship with nature’s unpredictable rhythm. At the pontoon near the Red Dot Design Museum, 24 illuminated letters are suspended over the water at Urban Oracle by Ultravioletto (Italy). With a press of any of the three buttons along the boardwalk, light will pulse through the letters and reflect on the water surface AI-generated messages that are inspired by Singapore’s past, present and future. 

For the first time, iLSG introduces new satellite sites along the Singapore River and at Raffles Place, bringing the Festival to more people. Set against the iconic Singapore River and on the façade of the UOB Plaza, Reverse Waterfall by UxU Studio (Taiwan), presented by UOB, will offer visitors a visual treat by creating the semblance of a waterfall flowing in the reverse direction, inviting festival goers to reflect on what we often accept as ‘natural’, and in doing so, uncover new perspectives on reality.

Presented by UOB and DesignSingapore Council, the Bridge of 1,000 Dreams will transform the Cavenagh Bridge across the Singapore River with illuminated bamboo sticks, reflecting the dreams and visions of Singaporeans that collectively build a stronger tomorrow. These two installations will be on display till 20 July 2025. Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, said, “UOB has always been steadfast in doing right by our communities. The i Light Singapore 2025 installations celebrate SG60 and UOB’s 90^th anniversary, symbolising our shared growth with the nation. The Reverse Waterfall represents our symbiotic relationship with the community, while the Bridge of 1,000 Dreams reflects our dedication to nurturing the aspirations of the young and building a strong future for all.”  In partnership with Raffles Place Alliance, Raffles Place Park will host a stunning inflatable garden, The Guardians by Matthew Aberline and The Beautiful And Useful Studio (Australia), which will showcase local flora in its designs, creating a space for visitors to gather.

Returning as a satellite site, South Beach will host Saulux by SPLACES.STUDIO (Malta), at its Fountain Plaza, where wind transforms into light and sound manifested within a field of swaying willow twigs, creating an immersive, auditory experience where visitors can connect with nature in a different yet delightful manner. Near South Beach’s entrance to the Esplanade MRT station, This is Not a Screen utilises polarised screens that have been recycled from electronic waste, such as everyday digital devices, to offer changing perspectives when gently spun, prompting reflection on how digital technology can portray reality differently to each individual and questioning the extent to which these experiences are shared by all. 

Adding to the vibrancy of the Festival is a line-up of new and exciting programmes that invite visitors of all ages and from all walks of life to converge and celebrate our collective aspirations for a sustainable future. Among them is the popular Festival Village, GastroBeats, which returns to the Bayfront Event Space from 29 May to 22 June 2025, serving as a lively gathering ground and culinary melting pot for the community. Leveraging the universal languages of food, music and shared experiences, GastroBeats introduces vibrant retail and pet-friendly zones as well as a new activation Let’s Trouble The Water! where maverick Jelilo characters take centre stage to rally visitors to take action against marine pollution. There will be something for everyone – all ages and across generations, creating opportunities for new memories to be created, connections to be forged, and unique experiences to be enjoyed. 

Photo Credit: i Light Singapore 2025

iLSG 2025 will be held from 29th May to 21st June 2025, 7.30pm to 11.00pm daily, with extended hours to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free while charges apply for certain programmes. Full line-up announced closer to the opening of the Festival. Visit www.ilightsingapore.gov.sg for more information.