SINGAPORE : Some of the world's hottest music acts will go full throttle to entertain Formula One's glamour set this weekend as Singapore works to build on the success of its inaugural Grand Prix.
Last year's race was a sell-out but in tough economic times ticket sales this year have been slower.
To boost the off-track experience and pull in punters, organisers have spent big on a star-laden party.
Superstar Beyonce headlines the three-day F1 Rocks Singapore festival at Fort Canning Park, also featuring No Doubt, Black Eyed Peas, Travis, Simple Minds, ZZ Top, and Chaka Khan.
Hollywood starlet and paparazzi magnet Lindsay Lohan will host the event, local reports said.
She stepped in after Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger pulled out after reportedly splitting with her driver boyfriend Lewis Hamilton.
Inside the Marina Bay street circuit, the Backstreet Boys and a host of top deejays, led by John Digweed, will keep the music pumping long after the Formula One cars have driven back to the pits.
The drivers have their own exclusive party at the Official Formula 1 Lounge, hosted by European socialite and TV presenter Tamara Ecclestone, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's daughter.
Tickets are being sold at a hefty 500 Singapore dollars (354 US) per person, or 12,000 dollars for a VIP table.
"It's about time Singapore had a taste of real Grand Prix glamour and The Official Formula 1 Lounge will enhance the overall appeal of our night race," said Michel Lu, director of the Stereolab dance club that is hosting the event.
Singapore is heavily reliant on tourism and events like the Grand Prix are part of its strategy to boost revenues.
Last year, overseas tourists in town for the race chalked up a total of 168 million Singapore dollars (119 million US) in receipts, according to the Straits Times.
- AFP/il
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