New Year's Eve 2009

Nightclubs, eateries plan bigger parties & more unique setups for NYE

Nightclubs and eateries are pulling out all the stops to prepare for New Year's eve celebrations and they're hoping the unique setups and bigger parties will help chase away the recession gloom of 2009.

Come December 31, nightclubs in Singapore want customers to party like it's already 2010.

Bernard Lim, chief executive officer, LifeBrandz, said: "Traditionally, we always put in a big effort for New Year's Eve. After all it is clearly the biggest night for all of us."

Tay Eu-Yen, executive chairman, The Butter Factory, said: "What we used to spend in terms of New Year's Eve itself - decor and party packs and all that, they have doubled or tripled in numbers."

Other clubs said their private rooms are also fully booked.

Checks with several restaurants showed many are having special menus and extra tables to deal with the expected surge in patrons.

While eateries and clubs are spending more on preparations for the New Year, they said they're looking at the extra costs as an investment aimed at drawing in more customers in the coming year.

But even with the plethora of parties, some are opting for a more intimate setting.

Said one man in the street: "I'll be meeting a couple of friends this weekend but that's about it."

Singaporeans will also be able to party the night away by tuning in to MediaCorp's Celebrate 2010 @ Marina Bay.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-