As Singapore begins to breathe a little easier following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, one of the most anticipated events for many has been the return of live music. After a two-year ban on live performances at F&B establishments, music fans gathered in full force at Clarke Quay on Friday, April 1, to revel in the sounds they’d long been deprived of.
The reopening of the Causeway has garnered significant attention, especially with emotional reunions between Malaysian families who were separated for two years. But for another group—live music enthusiasts—the easing of restrictions on March 29 marked the return of their much-loved nightlife, and they made sure to make the most of it.
The celebration, however, wasn’t entirely without incident. At around 10:45 PM, police and officers from the Special Operations Command arrived at Clarke Quay, temporarily breaking up the party to manage the crowds. Videos shared on social media showed a joyous atmosphere as people—some masked, some unmasked—danced outside Warehouse Singapore to the live music, with a palpable sense of liberation in the air.
One TikTok user captured the moment, writing, “First Friday of freedom-ish,” reflecting the cautious optimism of many. While the night was filled with enthusiasm, there was also a sense of apprehension, as some users voiced concerns about the potential for new Covid-19 cases in the wake of the relaxed measures.
Under the new rules, mask-wearing is optional outdoors, up to 10 vaccinated people can dine together, and alcohol can be sold and consumed after 10:30 PM. The return of live performances is a welcome change, though the nightlife sector remains cautiously closed for now. As Singapore steps into this new phase, the excitement is palpable, though tempered by the awareness that the pandemic is far from over.