Formula 1 cars make a turn on the Marina Bay Street Circuit during the 2010 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix. Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board

By Lee Hyo-sik

Singapore will host Asia’s biggest sporting and entertainment extravaganza on Sept. 16 to 25 by showcasing a Formula 1 race as well as hundreds of musical and theatrical performances.

At the center of the upcoming festival is the Singapore Grand Prix. Attracting hundreds of thousands of race fans from all over the world since its inaugural event in 2008, it is Asia’s only night-time race held on a street circuit. This year the race will take place on Sept. 25.

In 2010 the event attracted 96,000 spectators, 40 percent of which were non-Singaporeans and generated revenue of $160 million.

``With the Grand Prix as our centerpiece, we’ve packaged the event as a whole weekend of festivities and treats for the entire family,’’ a spokeswoman for the Singapore Tourism Board said.

She said the event organizers will pack in a host of entertainment activities to ensure every ticket offers great value for money for Singaporeans and international audiences.

During the 10-day festival, more than 300 entertainers from both home and abroad will feature everything from rock concerts to musicals and fire-eaters.

Twice Grammy winning rock band Linkin Park will showcase a one-night-only multi-media experience featuring hits from the album ``A Thousand Suns,’’ at the Padang main stage on Sept. 25.

To watch the concert up-close from the Fan Zone right in front of the stage, collect a wristband - limited to 2,000 fans per day on a first-come-first-served basis.

Shakira, Shaggy and many other pop artists will also perform at the festival.

The Singapore Grand Prix organizers will also showcase an Indian theme musical ``Bollywood Express. Kinetic artist Brian Olsen is expected to put up an energetic showcase of art in motion, splashing paint onto a blank canvas to create life-sized portraits of famous personalities.

The Mid-Autumn Festival held in Singapore’s Chinatown on Sept. 3 to Oct. 2 will be another attraction for foreign visitors. There will be traditional Chinese performances, street bazaars and other interesting programs.

For more information, visit www.singaporegp.sg.