Marina Bay Singapore Countdown Party 07/08

New Year's Eve - A time of reflection, resolution and renewal. A time of sharing and a time for wishes, for what is to come.

The Marina Bay SINGAPORE Countdown 07/08 taking place at the symbolic centre of Singapore will become more than a celebration but an annual tradition for Singaporeans, including those residing overseas as the event is broadcast LIVE on Channel News Asia.

This year-end event will bring together the collective wishes and aspirations of thousands of Singaporeans, and unite all in counting down the final seconds of the year to celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams. Bid farewell to the past and usher in the future. Had you written you wishes yet?

The 'wishing sphere' was started by the Esplanade in 2005, as a way to connect people, through their wishes, for the year ahead. Some 5,500 of them will be set afloat on Marina Bay as an annual visual arts display that forms part of the countdown celebrations. This year, more than three-quarters of these balls will carry the wishes of the elderly and less privileged. These were collected by volunteers from over 100 community groups and 30 schools from across the country.

As for the fireworks, organisers say things are slightly different this year. Because of the construction of the integrated resorts, fireworks will not be launched from that side of the Bay but the sparks will come straight from the water, through a ring of platforms specially built right on top of the water. Tune in to Radio 91.3 and Radio 100.3 and listen to the LIVE broadcast of the fireworks music during the countdown on 31 December.

You can also go online to be part of the experience at the Marina Bay Countdown website.