The Magic of Fireworks on New Year’s Eve

As the clock ticks down to midnight on January 1, 2025, Singapore Sports Hub will transform into a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors as it hosts an incredible 15-minute fireworks display. This breathtaking event is more than just a visual feast; it requires a tremendous amount of planning, coordination, and technical expertise.

A Tradition of Spectacle

Fireworks and New Year’s Eve have become synonymous with one another—like chocolates on Valentine’s Day or turkey on Thanksgiving. However, unlike these other traditions, fireworks are fleeting, bursting into life for mere moments before fading away into the night sky. To ensure a memorable spectacle, professionals have been hard at work, turning dreams into dazzling fire-lit reality.

Behind the Scenes of Preparation

Preparations for this year’s show began on December 26, weeks after the intricate choreography and design of the fireworks display were first conceptualized. Led by Mr. Ronnie Wee, a seasoned fireworks choreographer from Explomo Corporation, the show is set to feature a stunning fireworks footprint that will span 150 meters across the sky, shooting up as high as 200 meters!

A Captivating Experience for All

Wee, who has vast experience in creating fireworks displays—having previously staged a similar event during a 2009 competition in Berlin—faces the unique challenge of keeping both the live audience and those watching from the comfort of their homes engaged throughout the entire duration of the show. He aims to strike the perfect balance of excitement and emotion, bringing viewers on a captivating journey with carefully curated music that synchronizes with the dazzling visuals.

Part of a Larger Celebration

But the work doesn’t stop there. The New Year’s Eve show isn’t just a standalone event; it’s part of the larger Mediacorp Let’s Celebrate 2025 countdown celebration. This spectacular show will be broadcasted across multiple platforms, including mewatch and Channel 5, ensuring that people from all corners can partake in the festivities, regardless of their location.

Challenges and Safety

Fireworks displays tend to dominate the seasonal calendar, and as such, Mr. Wee and his team are concurrently preparing for numerous other events across the island. However, the countdown show promises to be their most grandiose production to date.

Despite the excitement, the job comes with its challenges. "The hours are irregular, and it can be tough because you’re so focused on ensuring everything goes right that you can’t fully enjoy the event," says Wee. The preparation for even a short five-minute display entails countless man-hours and meticulous planning, culminating in a show that leaves the audience in awe.

Prioritizing Safety

Safety is a top priority in this high-stakes profession. Working with pyrotechnics demands utmost precision and caution, as a single mistake can lead to disaster. Thankfully, advancements in technology have made the choreographing and executing of fireworks displays significantly smoother, reducing the chances of errors. Mr. Wee reflects on his career, noting that while he’s had a few minor mistakes—the kind known only to the expert eye—he has managed to avoid major mishaps.

"As every display is a one-time event without any rehearsals, we must be vigilant at all times. It’s a dirty job, but we take immense pride in delivering a performance that will spark joy in everyone who witnesses it," he explained.

Join the Celebration!

So mark your calendars! Be ready to be dazzled by the New Year’s Eve fireworks show at the Singapore Sports Hub, which is part of the Let’s Celebrate event kicking off from 5 PM. Make sure to tune in across various platforms to catch this incredible celebration filled with breathtaking fireworks and heartwarming performances. Don't miss out—this is the night to welcome 2025 in style!