Singapore National Day Parade 2014: Our People, Our Home

Get ready, because National Day is just around the corner!  National Day falls on 9th August in commemoration of Singapore’s independence in 1965. You’ll know National Day is approaching when you see flags displayed all over the neighbourhoods, be it being hung underneath the windows of households, along the road, or hanging from trees. Wherever you’re from, you’ve probably celebrated your own country’s equivalent of Singapore’s National Day, so learn more about ours right here at Visitors.sg as Singapore gears up for the nation’s biggest and grandest event!

NATIONAL DAY PARADE (NDP)

The highlight of every National Day is the National Day Parade (NDP). The parade is one of the most anticipated events of the year, where tens of thousands of people ballot for tickets to attend preview and actual-day shows.

This year, spectators and home viewers can expect not only the traditional pre-parade and parade ceremony segments, but also a four-act show about everyday challenges and opportunities that Singaporeans face. The performance will be held at the Marina Bay Floating platform, meaning the majority of the show will take place right on Marina Bay itself!

HIGHLIGHTS OF NDP:

Pre-Parade

The Pre-Parade segment will take on a carnival style with games, songs and performances to entertain and get the audience in a celebratory mood.

One of the main highlights  of this segment include the Singapore Armed Forces Red Lions’ parachutists’ grand entrance as they execute free-fall jumps and land with great precision, right in the centre of the floating platform.

Spectators can also look out for the traditional RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force) aerial flypast in various formations. The RSAF flypast can be seen and heard in some other parts of the island as well.

Parade and Ceremony

The Parade and Ceremony segment will take the form of a formal and dignified parade by the uniformed groups, with traditional crowd favourites like the 21-Gun Salute and Feu de Joie. This segment will then end with a Dynamic Defence Display (D3) involving the people and assets of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping display of military firepower and homeland defence capabilities on land, air, and sea as the D3 exhilarates spectators with a 10-minute performance that celebrates our people who have the will to defend our nation and protect what we have built.

Besides the pre-parade RSAF flypast, spectators can also look out for the National Day Parade flypast.

Funpacks

Everybody loves the NDP Funpack. Take it from us - nobody can resist opening the goodie bag right after they’re seated! Sporting special new designs every year, the Funpack is yet another star of the show. Pack goodies include interactive items such as clap banners, light sticks, glow sticks, LED bracelets and miniature flags to encourage spectators to join in the celebrations (never underestimate the contagious National Day Spirit!). The Funpack also includes a myriad of sustenance items like food, drinks, visors, foldable fans and many other freebies and souvenirs!

Finale and Fireworks Display

As celebrations come to a close, performers from all the acts will emerge for the final medley of National Day songs. The audience will witness a visual spectacle made up of a sea of performers in vibrant and colourful costumes. With about 3,000 student and adult performers this year, you know you can expect impressive formations, costumes and choreography.

Not to be missed is the fireworks display, where spectators and those within viewing distance will be treated to a visual spectacle of pyrotechnics with the magnificent city skyline as a backdrop.

If you didn’t manage to snag this year’s NDP tickets, don’t fret. You can still catch the fireworks display at places in vicinity of the Marina Bay area. Can’t get a reservation at coveted spots in restaurants and hotels? It’s okay. You can go to places like One Fullerton, Esplanade, Helix Bridge and more to catch the annual NDP fireworks for free. Just remember to turn up early to secure a good spot! Also, some roads will be closed for the parade, so be sure to check which roads are affected here before you set off!