Fireworks talk 2014

This is so nice because it's so blue.
As I look back, I don't know why I bother joining the crowds just for this approximately 8 minutes of fireworks display. I think the only reason to explain this is my mind simply telling me "got fireworks" and so "I should go". It was much expected, a disappointing display.

I'm not really sure why I feel the display is nothing but a disappointment. Even on television, that certain awe and heart warming feeling seems to be missing. But there's something I am definitely sure about. The smoke created from the display was one of the main factors leading to the disappointment.

After a few visit of similar locations to catch the fireworks display during various occasions, I've come to realise The Promontory and The Lawn aren't really suitable for viewing of the display. Despite its spaciousness and an unobstructed view of the bay, it's actually an area that 'attracts' the wind too. For some reasons that I do not know, wind usually seems to be 'attracted' into these 2 areas. This resulted in the smoke from the fireworks being blown towards this 2 areas, and soon enough, smoke covered the display. This early morning's fireworks display that brought tones of smoke blanketing the Marina Bay Financial Centre is still clear in my mind. I think my body unwilling took in some of the smoke too. Interestingly, the smoke moved passed the buildings in just a short while. Maybe it's due to the strong winds that's usually being encountered during this period.

And so I've also come to realise another area. The outdoor area facing the bay of the Esplanade Theatres is usually the best spot to catch the fireworks display. Directly opposite The Promontory and The Lawn, where the smoke goes to, viewing the fireworks display here means that the fireworks display is now the foreground of the "frame" and smoke is the background. This makes the display slightly more pleasant for viewing compared to the opposite side.

But seriously, why is there so much smoke? Has it got to do with the area being surrounded by structures and buildings that has an effect to the movement of wind which is an important factor to helping the dispersal of smoke from the display? Has it got to do with the display itself being too concentrated in one location and the many shells being fired in a short span of time?

Maybe the organisers should seriously think of reducing the number of shells being fired. I feel that it should not be about the amount of shells being fired, instead it should be about the quality of it. No point of firing so many shells that end up blanketing the sky with smoke instead of the beauty every shell has upon its 'released'.

Maybe the organisers should try to include more collaborations between surrounding buildings, structures and attractions. Why not release some shells from the top of buildings, bridges, and even the observation wheel? Maybe they should even consider setting another platform on the waters between Gardens by the Bay South and Flyer.

Expand the area of display. Expanding the display does not necessary mean more shells. How about also incorporating more lighting show elements, and even why not water elements too? After all, the nearby Resort has a laser & water show and one definite element the bay has is water. All these ideas might eventually allowed a more pleasant viewing experience of the display. Stop counting the numbers of visitors to the area and advertising the event has attracted another record breaking number of visitors. I've no idea what serious good does that have for the event, other than a point added to showcase how successful the event is for it had attracted so many people.

I cannot deny the efforts put in by the organisers should be commended for and appreciated. Their ideas are indeed meaningful from ideas such as 'wishing spheres' and a theme every year. But when executed, it doesn't seem to touch me. This is their 9th edition and next year will be its 10th. Will it be anything worth looking forward to?

Lastly to sign off the first entry in 2014...smoky photographs of the display that are still presentable, in my own perspective.




What my camera saw, and what that person's phone saw.

Merging a few pictures together. And honestly speaking, those laser light rays are from the stage whereby performances continued to take place after the fireworks display.



View it bigger: Click on images
Month taken: January 2014
Time taken: Midnight
Photo size above: 640 pixels - Longer side