Try GOLD - Free
Thousands gather in Marina Bay to celebrate new year
The Straits Times
|January 02, 2023
As fireworks exploded at midnight over the Esplanade Bridge in the Marina Bay area, welcoming 2023, Mr Leon Lai rose to his feet with his five-month-old daughter on his shoulders.
Starting a new family was the highlight of 2022 for Mr Lai, 30, and he hopes the new year will be a more peaceful one, with the coronavirus in retreat.
Mr Lai and his family were among thousands of revellers crammed on the Esplanade Bridge to the Merlion Park on Saturday night.
Revellers gathered there well ahead of midnight to secure a spot on the bridge, to get a clear view of the fireworks and drone display above the bay.
The bridge was closed off to vehicles to allow people to walk about freely.
The Straits Times observed that most revellers on the bridge were orderly, with many settling in pockets of space there to catch the fireworks.
Some, though, climbed onto the ledges to get a better view of the festivities.
Mr Howard Tan, 39, took his wife and children aged seven, eight and 12 to the Marina Bay area to watch the drone and fireworks displays near The Float @ Marina Bay.
This story is from the January 02, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Bank-led dividend growth puts Singapore ahead of most global peers
13.1% rise in first half of year is double the global average and just a tad below Japan’s
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
NUH initiative helps terminal cancer patients to have more comfort, time with loved ones
Care pathway relieves them of the burden of unnecessary medications and interventions
4 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
In a world rushing for arms, Singapore must 'outsmart the queue'
Fragmented suppliers, long queues and rapid disruption mean Singapore must reinvent how it acquires and develops military technology.
5 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Why Donald Trump’s tariffs are failing to break global trade
Six months on from ‘Liberation Day’, things look surprisingly rosy.
5 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Ronaldo worth $1.8b but still has the passion
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which has valued the Portugal great’s net worth at an estimated US$1.4 billion (S$1.82 billion).
1 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Clear pathways to growth and prosperity in Asia amid global uncertainty: OCBC's deputy CEO
While the world is facing a landscape marked by geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and technological bifurcation, there are several clear pathways to growth and prosperity, with Asia being central to that journey.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Saudis complete job despite Indonesian pressure
Saudi Arabia fought back to earn a 3-2 win over Indonesia in Group B of Asia’s World Cup fourth-round qualifiers on Oct 8, as Feras Al-Brikan’s double boosted their hopes of securing a place at the 2026 Finals in North America.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Former FBI chief pleads not guilty in case pushed by Trump
Former FBI director James Comey pleaded not guilty on Oct 8 to criminal charges, in a case his lawyer described as a vindictive prosecution directed by US President Donald Trump, whose first White House campaign was investigated by Comey.
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Macron to name new French PM as political crisis deepens
His outgoing premier rules out snap elections or exit of president
3 mins
October 10, 2025
The Straits Times
Polymarket founder becomes youngest self-made billionaire after deal with NYSE owner
A couple of years after dropping out of New York University with dreams of making it big in crypto, Mr Shayne Coplan was so broke that he took an inventory of his Lower East Side apartment so that he could sell belongings to make rent.
2 mins
October 10, 2025
Translate
Change font size