A poster titled "Nay To Yay: 2002 and Beyond" showcases scenes from the Opening Festival, courtesy of The Straits Times

A poster titled "Nay To Yay: 2002 and Beyond" showcases scenes from the Opening Festival, courtesy of The Straits Times. Fireworks illuminate the bay, marking Esplanade's unconventional opening on October 12, 2002. The three-week festival featured 1,300 artists from 22 countries, offering ticketed and free performances. This gamble paid off with an 85% ticketed attendance and over a million visitors. An "Opening Festival bookmark" and "Opening Festival stamps" are displayed below.