NDP 2024 extends festivities beyond 9 Aug
This year's National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations feature a 360-degree experience at the Padang, an air-land-sea display, extended heartland festivities on 10 Aug, and more activities for Singaporeans to join in throughout the year.// Story by Joshua de Souza / Photos by Kenneth Lin & PIONEER Photographers
True to this year's National Day Parade (NDP) theme – Together, As One United People – NDP 2024 opens up more opportunities for Singaporeans to come together and join in celebrating Singapore's 59th birthday.
This includes the main parade at the Padang as well as Bay Celebrations at the Promontory @ Marina Bay on 9 August, along with Heartland Celebrations at five sites across the island on 10 Aug.
NDP 2024 will return to the Padang, and audiences can expect an immersive show that extends from the Padang to Marina Bay. On top of featuring crowd favourites such as the Red Lions, State Flag Flypast and Presidential Gun Salute, this year's NDP adds a new spin on things with a few firsts.
Action-packed defence display
The expanded show area from the Padang to Marina Bay sets the stage for a thrilling air-land-sea display as part of the inaugural Total Defence (TD) 40 Dynamic Defence Display (D3).
Performed for the first time at the Padang, the segment will feature a whole-of-government and community response to various threats and disruptions.
Another first for NDP is the Onward March, where the parade contingents will march onto the spectator stands.
Along with integrating technologies such as wrist-worn LEDs as well as extended multimedia screens and fireworks set up all around the Padang and Marina Bay, this year's NDP will put audiences in the middle of the action, with sights and spectacles from all viewing angles.
Beyond the Padang
Spectators at the Bay Celebrations on 9 Aug can look forward to an up-close view of the TD40 D3 maritime and aerial displays, the Marina Bay fireworks and an exclusive Presidential Gun Salute sail-past, as well as stage performances and live telecast of the NDP.
Singaporeans can also look forward to having fun with their families during the long NDP weekend at any of the five Heartland Celebrations locations on 10 Aug.
Visitors can snap photos at static displays of equipment and vehicles from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force, as well as enjoy carnival activities, heartland fireworks and live performances.
Together, as one united people
Chairman of the NDP 2024 Executive Committee Brigadier-General (BG) Wilson Low said that the theme of this year's NDP focuses on "Our People" and highlights the collective strength of Singaporeans.
"Our theme calls upon all Singaporeans to come together to express love for Singapore, celebrate the nation's progress and…to show care and concern for fellow Singaporeans."
BG Low highlighted how the theme also ties into volunteerism and inclusivity and encouraged everyone to come together in support and celebration as one Singapore. Check out the NDPeeps social media pages to look out for upcoming activities as part of the #GiveAsOneSG and the #TogetherAsOneSG campaigns!
Not alone
Composed and performed by Benjamin Kheng, NDP 2024 theme song Not Alone aims to pay homage to past NDP song favourites by incorporating some of their lyrics, and also foster a sense of belonging and togetherness among Singaporeans.
"I really wanted to connect Singaporeans back to the meaning of the beautiful lyrics of past NDP songs," said the singer.
"We also wanted Singaporeans to feel it's okay not to be perfect all the time as long as we get better and move forward together."
These messages are reflected in the music video, jointly directed by Koo Chia Meng, Brian Gothong Tan, and Davier Yoon. The trio of co-directors brought their own unique strengths in cinematic narratives, musical performances, and visual effects respectively.
"Brian described three of us working together like a kueh lapis, and what we get is a work that's full of delicious flavours," said Mr Koo.
The music video was the labour of about 60 people and took over five months to put together.
Check out the music video here:
PS. Always wanted to watch NDP live in action? Here's your chance!
Visit www.ndp.gov.sg to score tickets to NDP Preview 1 (27 Jul), NDP Preview 2 (3 Aug) or the main parade (9 Aug). Application ends on 10 Jun.
