A lion dance competition held outside Ngee Ann City was briefly interrupted when someone threw balloons filled with red paint into the competition area on Sep. 6. This incident occurred during the 28th annual Ngee Ann City Lion Dance Championships, which took place from Sep. 2 to Sep. 7, 2024. Police confirmed they received a call for assistance at about 8:55 pm on Sep. 6.
Background
The Ngee Ann City Lion Dance Championships is a significant event in Singapore’s cultural calendar, attracting numerous participants and spectators each year. The competition showcases the skills and artistry of lion dance teams from various regions. The disruption caused by the paint-filled balloons was unexpected and raised concerns about safety and security at such public events.
The video
A video shared on YouTube showed red paint splattered on the ground between the stage and a judge’s table. Among the crowd that had gathered to watch the competition, some were seen peering upwards, above the stage. The video’s caption indicated that after the second team finished their performance, two balloons filled with “red paint and water” were “thrown” into the competition area. Despite the incident, a Sep. 8 post on the “Singapore Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance Federation” Facebook page confirmed that the competition continued, a winner was declared, and prize ceremonies were held.
Police investigations are ongoing
Regarding the incident, police told Fathership that no injuries were reported. Police investigations are ongoing. In response to Fathership’s enquiries, a Ngee Ann City spokesperson said, “Ngee Ann City is currently working with the police in their investigations into this incident. The safety of the members of the public is our top priority.”
Community response
The lion dance community has expressed concern over the incident. “It’s disheartening to see such disruptions at a cultural event,” said Tan Wei Ming, a veteran lion dance performer. “We hope the authorities will take necessary actions to prevent such occurrences in the future.” The incident has sparked discussions on enhancing security measures at public events to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Future implications
This incident has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and security at cultural events. Organisers of future lion dance competitions and similar events may need to implement stricter security protocols to prevent such disruptions. The ongoing police investigations will likely provide more insights into the motives behind the act and help in formulating better preventive measures. The community remains hopeful that such incidents will not deter the spirit and enthusiasm surrounding traditional cultural performances.
