Cover Image Source: Photo by Rogan Yeoh on Unsplash
No live shows at the Padang this year? Well, they bring the parade to you!
9 August marks the 55th year Singapore gained independence. With the current virus situation, this year’s National Day Parade will especially be different than in previous years. With safety measures in place for COVID-19 and no tickets to the parade at the Padang, you won't be missing much of the festivities as there are plenty of things happening around the island. You can even catch them live in the comfort and safety of your home as most or all of the events will be broadcasted live on television and on Youtube as well.
The theme for this year’s NDP is centered around bringing the crowd favorites such as the Mobile Columns, Flag Flypast, Jets, the Red Lions parachuting down, and of course the fireworks closer to the people. Most, if not all, the events are focused on paying tribute and showing gratitude to the healthcare and frontline workers who have continually put their lives on the line to keep others safe during these hard times. (Thank you all!)
With all the things that are different in this year’s edition, it can be very easy to get confused with what to expect on the actual day itself. Luckily for us, the NDP committee has just recently released the schedule and locations to the public. Here’s what’s different about this coming NDP.
Happening at 10 AM to 1 PM islandwide
This year’s mobile columns will cover the longest distance ever for any mobile column traveling into the heartlands. Covering all four corners of the island. A noteworthy point about this is that the mobile column will be going past several hospitals to salute the healthcare and frontline workers.
Image Source: NDP 2020
Happening at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Another exciting change to the parade that is going to be a first this year will be the route taken by the Chinook, Apaches, and F-15SGs for the Flag Flypast and Jet flyovers, or as they call it the “Roar of Unity”. They will not only just fly over the Padang, but they will also make their way around Singapore as well. You’ll definitely hear them coming your way, so make sure to look out your windows to catch a glimpse of them flying by!
Image Source: NDP 2020
Happening at 11:00 AM
To commemorate the country’s 55th birthday, a unique sail past with vessels from the Navy, Coast Guard, Civil Defence, and Maritime and Port Authority will be sailing past off the coast of Marina Bay.
Image Source: NDP 2020
Happening at 11:10 AM
Get ready to “Ooooo”, the ever so popular Red Lions will be jumping off the planes and parachuting down into the heartlands at Sengkang and Jurong East. They will be landing near the Sengkang General Hospital and Ng Teng Fong Hospital as a sign of tribute to the healthcare workers and frontline workers.
Image Source: NDP 2020
Happening at 8:20 PM
If you are like us, then the definite highlight of every National Day Parade will be the fireworks display, every single year. Whether you choose to see it live or even on the television, it serves as a great conclusion to the whole parade and celebrations itself.
This year will be especially different as it has been announced that it will be set off in 10 different locations right in the heartlands. Even if it will be harder for us to get to see it in person (to get that great shot for Instagram), changing the norm might not be such a bad thing. Imagine seeing the fireworks right in the comfort and safety of your homes. The main point is, safety is still the top priority.
The exact locations have been released by the NDP committee recently, here are 10 spots where the fireworks will be set off, which will mean that you can see the fireworks from around the vicinity - The fireworks are scheduled to go off at 8.20 PM islandwide.
The locations of the fireworks as released by the NDP Committee are:
Even if you do not live in these areas, these fireworks have been described as “High Level” Fireworks where they should be easily visible from afar.
Image Source: NDP 2020
We cannot stress enough how important it is to remember to abide and follow the safety measures against COVID-19. If you are going out to see the different NDP events listed earlier, remember to practice adequate Social Distancing measures between one another and always wear a mask. You can also stay at home and watch it on television or over on Youtube, where all the events will be broadcasted live so you won’t be missing out on the festivities.
Those are only some of the events that you will see during the National Day Parade on 9th August, with all that is happening for the parade, it will surely be a very different experience to the parades we normally see on National Day.
Happy 55th Birthday Singapore!
