SINGAPORE – A first-of-its-kind live theatrical show on board a bumboat, celebrating Singapore’s rich maritime history, will be launched as part of the Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 2026.
The hour-long performance will take place as the vessel cruises down the Singapore River.
SHF 2026 was officially launched on May 1 by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).
Apart from the bumboat show, more than 100 activities – including cultural performances, guided trails, water and land tours, workshops and exhibitions – will be held across various locations in Singapore from May 1 to 24.
The 2026 festival celebrates Singapore’s connection to the sea and its evolution into a global maritime hub.
“Singapore’s story is inseparable from the sea. From bustling ports and thriving trades, to the communities who lived and worked along our shores, our maritime heritage is a living legacy that continues to shape our identity today,” said SHF 2026 festival director Qazim Karim.
The bumboat show, A Bump Through Time, features two performers who play the roles of a cargo handler and a Customs officer. Through a plot involving suspicious vessels and trading auctions, the audience will learn more about how maritime trade and migration have shaped the nation’s development.
A Bump Through Time will be held on May 9, 16 and 23, with four shows each day. Each show can accommodate up to 20 audience members. Each ticket costs $75.
