Singapore -
Suspend any preconceived notions you may have of Singapore being the straight-laced nanny state it has been widely thought to be. In recent years, it has been transformed into one of the most forward looking and liberal countries in Asia as the gay community enjoys an unprecedented period of growth and visibility. With over 10 dedicated bars, seven saunas, and a plethora of other businesses catering to the gay community, Singapore has metamorphosised into the unlikeliest of gay meccas.
This is highlighted every August, when thousands of gays and lesbians jetting in from all over the world to converge on Singapore to participate in what has become Asia's largest gay circuit party.
Held on the weekend surrounding Singapore's National Day, the eponymous NATION ( www.fridae.com/nation) party is a riotous three-day festival that includes three mega dance parties, and for the first time this year, an arts festival. The event has grown over the last four years, attracting a loyal, gorgeous, yet eclectic following. With attendance numbers doubling every year, this year's party is expected to attract more than 8,000.
Organized by Asia's largest gay portal Fridae.com, the main event is held on the resort island of Sentosa, in front of a S$ 4 million dollar musical fountain that uses state of the art lasers, giant water cannons that shoot 50 feet into the air, and pyrotechnics choreographed to the beat of the music. All these combine with a sea of heaving bodies to an incredible tableau that is unique in the world. It's no wonder that Australia's DNA magazine was prompted to proclaim Fridae's Nation party "soon to be a must on the world circuit".
The weekend kicks off with Military Ball at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday Aug 7, followed by the main event, Nation at the Sentosa Musical Fountain on Aug 8 and the Closing Party at the world-famous Zouk Club on Aug 9. Featured DJs include Billy Carroll (USA), Paul Goodyear (Australia), Sawa (Japan), David S (Taiwan) and local gay favourite George(Singapore).
For the first time, Nation will also include the participation of various arts organisations in an informal "Nation Arts Programme." This includes the plays Mergers/Wills which has a lesbian lawyer protagonist (Toy Factory) in Mandarin, the gay-themed Top or Bottom and Mardi Gras (The Necessary Stage), and The Revenge of the Dim Sum Dollies (Dream Academy Productions). Two related art exhibitions will also be held during this period - "Red + White = Pink" (Utterly Art) and a yet to be titled exhibition by Art Seasons.
Based on data collected at Nation by an independent market research company in 2003, this year's event is estimated to generate close to S$10 million in tourist revenue. Last year, visitors came from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Australia as far as North America and Europe. Most notably, these visitors had a per capita spend more than ten times the national average.
Tickets go on sale online on 1 June, and at selected ticketing outlets from 1 July. A limited number of special VIP Weekend Pack - including VIP Express entrance to all three parties, a limited edition t-shirt, a commemorative Nation CD, and a gift bag that includes a 1-week pass to California Fitness Centre among other goodies - would be available to the first 1000 buyers at S$150. Special concession passes and tickets are also available for those between 18-21 years, students, and NSF with valid ID. Ticketing and info: www.fridae.com/nation.
This is highlighted every August, when thousands of gays and lesbians jetting in from all over the world to converge on Singapore to participate in what has become Asia's largest gay circuit party.
Held on the weekend surrounding Singapore's National Day, the eponymous NATION ( www.fridae.com/nation) party is a riotous three-day festival that includes three mega dance parties, and for the first time this year, an arts festival. The event has grown over the last four years, attracting a loyal, gorgeous, yet eclectic following. With attendance numbers doubling every year, this year's party is expected to attract more than 8,000.
Organized by Asia's largest gay portal Fridae.com, the main event is held on the resort island of Sentosa, in front of a S$ 4 million dollar musical fountain that uses state of the art lasers, giant water cannons that shoot 50 feet into the air, and pyrotechnics choreographed to the beat of the music. All these combine with a sea of heaving bodies to an incredible tableau that is unique in the world. It's no wonder that Australia's DNA magazine was prompted to proclaim Fridae's Nation party "soon to be a must on the world circuit".
The weekend kicks off with Military Ball at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday Aug 7, followed by the main event, Nation at the Sentosa Musical Fountain on Aug 8 and the Closing Party at the world-famous Zouk Club on Aug 9. Featured DJs include Billy Carroll (USA), Paul Goodyear (Australia), Sawa (Japan), David S (Taiwan) and local gay favourite George(Singapore).
For the first time, Nation will also include the participation of various arts organisations in an informal "Nation Arts Programme." This includes the plays Mergers/Wills which has a lesbian lawyer protagonist (Toy Factory) in Mandarin, the gay-themed Top or Bottom and Mardi Gras (The Necessary Stage), and The Revenge of the Dim Sum Dollies (Dream Academy Productions). Two related art exhibitions will also be held during this period - "Red + White = Pink" (Utterly Art) and a yet to be titled exhibition by Art Seasons.
Based on data collected at Nation by an independent market research company in 2003, this year's event is estimated to generate close to S$10 million in tourist revenue. Last year, visitors came from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Australia as far as North America and Europe. Most notably, these visitors had a per capita spend more than ten times the national average.
Tickets go on sale online on 1 June, and at selected ticketing outlets from 1 July. A limited number of special VIP Weekend Pack - including VIP Express entrance to all three parties, a limited edition t-shirt, a commemorative Nation CD, and a gift bag that includes a 1-week pass to California Fitness Centre among other goodies - would be available to the first 1000 buyers at S$150. Special concession passes and tickets are also available for those between 18-21 years, students, and NSF with valid ID. Ticketing and info: www.fridae.com/nation.
