Heartlands Festival 2023 Concludes with Over $2 Million Spent in Heartlands

The Heartlands Festival 2023, a celebration of Singapore’s vibrant heartland communities, has come to a successful close, leaving behind a trail of community spirit, economic vitality, and hyperlocal engagement. The festival, now in its third edition, witnessed remarkable growth and participation compared to its inception in 2021.

In the past two months, the Heartlands Festival Lucky Draw alone saw over $2 million spent in the heartlands, with close to 100 participants actively taking part in the Heartlands Odyssey. The Heartlands Odyssey featured themed races in five vibrant neighborhoods across Singapore, where participants cracked clues and conquered challenges.

A highlight of the festival was the Heartlands Quest, a self-guided activity that celebrated the unique charms of the heartlands. Hearty, the festival’s mascot, collaborated with over 50 Merchants’ and Hawkers’ Associations, creating over 120 hyperlocal experiences.

Notably, Heartlands Festival 2023 recorded a significant 47% increase in community involvement compared to its inaugural year in 2021, demonstrating the festival’s growing impact on the heartland communities.

The Heartlands Festival Lucky Draw, a consistent beacon of excitement, attracted more than half a million entries over the past three years. The numbers speak volumes, with over $5 million spent in the heartlands since the festival’s inception, of which over $2 million was spent in just the past two months. This underscores the festival’s role in driving economic activity back to the heart of the communities it serves.

The festival aims to empower local Merchants’ and Hawkers’ Associations, driving programming that enhances the vitality of their neighborhoods. Looking ahead, the festival plans to decentralise its initiatives, allowing these associations to organise hyperlocal events throughout the year, ensuring that the heartland spirit is celebrated consistently.

“Let me thank everyone who has worked so hard and contributed to Heartlands Festival 2023, and also convey my congratulations for the good work done. Let us continue to bring the community together, let’s keep up placemaking efforts and celebrate our heartland enterprises, so that they continue to be part of our cherished collective memories for many years to come.” Shared Singapore Senior Minister of State, Sim Ann, the guest of honour at the Heartlands Festival Closing Ceremony.