Queen to rock Singapore Grand Prix
Fans of motor-racing and those who have come to love the entertainment associated with the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix will be delighted to hear that this year's race will continue to feature headline acts both on track, and off it.
Race promoters Singapore GP Pte Ltd yesterday announced the first phase of the entertainment line-up for the race, which will be held from Sept 16 to 18.
The line-up will feature world-renowned performers Queen, fronted by Adam Lambert, Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue, Bastille, Pentatonix and old school pop-funk act KC and the Sunshine Band.
Lewis Hamilton's first-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix has breathed new life into the 2016 season as the defending champion tries to chase down Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, while the resurgent Red Bulls have also brought a new dimension this year.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling battle along the Marina Bay street circuit and also enjoy a more intimate experience with their favourite performers with the re-siting of The Padang Stage, which will host Minogue on Sept 16 (Friday) and English indie rock band Bastille before the qualifying session on Sept 17 (Saturday).
Rock gods Queen, with original members Brian May and Roger Taylor and Lambert (in place of the legendary late Freddie Mercury) will light up the Padang Stage on Sept 17 once the final act on the circuit ends.
Pentatonix and KC and the Sunshine Band will perform at the Village Stage and the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on Sept 16 and 17, respectively.
Singapore's largest outdoor stage at the Padang will be situated between Grandstand A and Grandstand B, fronting St Andrew's Rd.
The central position of the stage - previously it was located at one end of the Padang - will see an increase in the overall fan zone capacity which will be split into six sections for easier and safer crowd control.
Michael Roche, executive director of Singapore GP Pte Ltd, believes the change will add to the viewing pleasure of fans.
"The front of the house that controls spotlights and audio towers will be tucked in front of the heritage trees at Connaught Drive so we don't lose valuable viewing space behind the towers.
"Overall, the patrons furthest from stage will be much closer than in past years. We will also install super-screens on the far right and left of the stage to give a wider viewing opportunity for races and concerts which will take the concert experience all the way into the Esplanade Park," he said.
As for the much-anticipated headline act for Sunday, Roche would only say: "An official announcement will be made in the coming weeks regarding the Sunday headliner.
"We hope that fans will enjoy the performances that have been lined up, something they can look forward to."
● Fans can catch the Padang Stage performances with any ticket priced from $78 (Friday Zone 4 walkabout) or $268 (3 Day Zone 4 walkabout). A limited number of Friday Zone 4 Walkabout tickets will also be sold at a promotional price of $38 nett for Singaporeans and Singapore residents.
● Tickets are available for sale at www.singaporegp.sg, via the ticketing hotline +65 6738 6738 as well as all authorised ticketing agents.
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