Wesley Methodist Church illuminated the Singapore Night Festival with its first-ever participation this year! Over seven unforgettable nights, close to 400 dedicated volunteers from the church family welcomed nearly 20,000* visitors, highlighting the true spirit of community and service. Imagine a church, typically known for its serene worship services, pulsating with vibrant energy under the night sky. That was the scene at Wesley@NightFest from 7 to 11 pm each night on August 30 to 31, and September 1, 4 to 7.
The Singapore Night Festival is an annual celebration of Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions, transforming the Bras Basah and Bugis precinct into a vibrant hub of creativity and community engagement. Held in multiple venues, including the National Museum, Peranakan Museum, Singapore Management University, Stamford Arts Centre, Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, St Joseph’s Church and Chijmes, the festival celebrated its 15th edition this year.
A Nostalgic Kampung Experience
Themed ‘Light on the Hill’, Wesley@NightFest transformed the church grounds into a nostalgic kampung reminiscent of Singapore in the 1970s. Retro props, engaging activities like AR experiences, origami, storytelling, music performances and photo booths, along with warm hospitality, transported visitors back in time. This celebration of Singapore’s heritage amidst a kaleidoscope of lights and color fostered intergenerational community connections.
Families with wide-eyed children, tourists, and people from all walks of life explored the various activities, creating lasting memories. The sanctuary, opened for quiet contemplation amidst the busyness, offered visitors a space for respite and a glimpse into the rich heritage of the oldest Methodist Church in Singapore. Visitors also enjoyed music performances, explored the church’s history at the heritage gallery, and journeyed through the Milestones of Grace corridor, a captivating narrative of Wesley’s legacy.
Shared Experiences, Dedicated Volunteers, and a Kampung of Memories
“It was wonderful to see the church come alive with such energy and creativity,” said Rev Raymond Fong, the pastor-in-charge of Wesley Methodist Church. “This event reminded us of the importance of community and shared experiences. Picture an open and welcoming church that doesn’t just talk about love, but actively demonstrates love through service and outreach on a bigger scale. That is what the Singapore Night Festival offers us; this is what Wesley@NightFest and being the Light on the Hill is all about.”
With roles ranging from ushers and hospitality teams to tailors, talents in costumes, origami experts, storytellers, music performers and medical support personnel, the seamless execution of this 7-night event was a testament to our volunteers’ tireless efforts and months of preparation.
At 86, Dr Eileen Aw was the oldest volunteer serving at the inaugural Wesley@NightFest. Serving alongside her Small Group members from E4J (Eternity for Jesus), Dr Aw shared that she had enjoyed being at the event as much as the visitors, even though she had to be on her feet from 7 to 11 pm, with only a short break in between to have a teh tarik. Stationed at the paper ball cart, she said: “All I can say is the event was such a wonderful opportunity for our own church members to bring their friends as well as for the visitors who have never stepped into Wesley Methodist Church before this. Now that I know I was the oldest serving volunteer there, I can tell you I was not tired but was energised by the enthusiasm of my fellow volunteers and the interests of our visitors in our activities.”
“I had a lot of fun myself, and it was heartwarming to see the old and young coming together to have a good time. I would like to thank Pastor Chin Nam for playing the paper balls with the kids and adults who came to the event. Kudos also to the organising team for the great ideas,” she added.
Natalie Goh, 23, described her volunteering at the origami team as a happy and eye-opening experience: “My most memorable experience volunteering at Wesley@Night Fest was connecting with people inside and outside the church through our shared interest in origami. Witnessing how doing God’s work brings joy to others and potentially welcomes them into the community was inspiring. I also appreciated the gifts volunteers distributed, even learning to make them myself to share with my Small Group, fostering deeper connections.”
From managing the bustling crowds to taking pictures with visitors, from serving Khong Guan gem biscuits to ensuring the smooth running of events, our volunteers embodied unity in diversity, utilising their unique gifts and talents to create a welcoming and memorable experience for all.
A Labour of Love
The church’s transformation into a vibrant kampung at the event was a labour of love that began at the end of last year. Training for ushers, in-character talents, watchers and origami teams commenced two months prior to the event, ensuring attention to detail. The activities at the event catered to people from all age groups, highlighting Wesley’s dedication to inclusivity.
Said Goh Cheng Joo, one of the organising members of the project and a volunteer photographer for all seven nights: “It was a joy to be part of the planning committee. Wesley@NightFest was a journey of hard work and immense joy. Looking through the lens to see how our community came alive made every moment worthwhile. This experience reinforced the profound impact we can make when we unite in service, guided by God’s love. It also brought together like-minded people to serve and fellowship together, just like the team of volunteer photographers.”
Positive Feedback from Visitors
The ‘Light on the Hill’ endeavor underscored the church’s mission to strengthen community bonds and support government initiatives. The positive feedback from visitors, vendors, volunteers and official organisers reflected that Wesley’s participation in the Singapore Night Festival had created a shared experience that resonated with thousands.
Shannon Tan, invited by Wesleyan friends from a pickleball group, was amused to see them dressed in 1960s costumes instead of their usual sports gear. “It was delightful to see my friends from Wesley, who invited us, so enthusiastically welcoming visitors. We even brought our guest from Thailand to the ‘Light on the Hill.’ The photo booths with volunteers in 60s costumes were fun! Your work reflects God’s love.” Shannon, who worships at Church of Our Saviour, added, “We never know how such simple acts can impact people’s hearts.”
Another visitor, Pauline Sim, wrote this in her social media post: “The retro shop was so authentic and a highlight for me. The storytellers were fabulous. The organ performance was good, and the general vibe was friendly and fun-loving. The history wall was brilliantly done, and my friend Frances was a wonderful guide. So much effort went into every detail of this event and all at Wesley should be very proud and happy of their contributions to the Night Festival.”
“Wesley@Night Fest was so fun and engaging, and I ended up going on multiple nights! I particularly enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and historical experiences—it felt like going back in time, and the gem biscuits and Bestman bubble balloons were for sure highlights for me. Had a great time with my friends and family,” said Beth Yeo who was at the event visiting her mother (this writer and Chairperson of Wesley@NightFest) and grandmother, both of whom were helping on all nights.
At the event with Beth was her friend Cheong Su Anne who said Wesley@Night Fest transported her back in time with the intricate decorations and characters dressed up in costume: “I had a great time playing with the Bestman bubble balloons and making ‘snowmen’ with my friends. I enjoyed the lively atmosphere very much; it was one of the highlights of the Night Fest for me!”
A young Wesleyan, Sophia Olopade, shared her favourite part of the Wesley@NightFest : “I enjoyed blowing the bubble balloons and playing the paper balls with my friends. It was a fun way to spend time at church, and to take a break from PSLE revision!”
Daisy Yeo, an organising committee member and team leader who was serving at the event for seven nights said Wesley@NightFest was a heartwarming trip down memory lane. “It brought back so many fond childhood memories. I grew up doing my homework by the kerosene lamps.”
Describing witnessing close to 400 volunteers united to fill 700 slots over seven nights as truly inspiring, Alvin Tay, the Chairperson of the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) at Wesley, said: “It showcased the power of willing hearts, hands, and feet coming together to serve both God and neighbour. We, as a church, are delighted to have participated in the Singapore Night Festival for the first time, embodying unity in diversity and actively contributing to our community”.
A Shining Light on the Hill
Wesley Methodist Church’s ‘Light on the Hill’ shone brightly, illuminating not just the Night Festival, but the very spirit of community, heritage and shared experiences. It was a powerful testament to what God can empower us to do when we unite in His service, reminding us that together, we can create extraordinary moments that touch lives through, with, and in Him.
“It was a hot, humid but happy night,” said Serene Chua who was ushering at the junction of SMU and the National Museum during Wesley@NightFestival. “Wesleyans have shone and lit up for Christ.”
*Figure provided by the official organiser
Photos by CJ Goh, Christopher Leong, Melvin Quah and Stanley Yeo
Video by Jacqueline Lok
More Wesley@NightFest photos available here
Read related post: Behind the Scenes: Our Memorable Moments at the Light on the Hill
