Celebrating Singapore’s 53rd Birthday, National Day Rally

The theme for this year’s National Day is “We are Singapore!”  To celebrate the 53rd National Day of Singapore’s independence, the ceremony also pays tribute to the Government service staff and their families. A crowd favourite, this year’s aerial display and flypast promise to be spectacular, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

 

NDP 2018 will also see the naval divers perform a combat jump at the parade for the first time, alongside the traditional Red Lions performing the wingsuit jump during the pre-show, followed by the state flag fly past during the parade and ceremony.

 

This year’s National Day event will be returning to The Float@Marina Bay on August 9, with exciting and high-tech visual effects experience for the audience. Attendees of the event will also be receiving a ‘Funpack’.

 

In line with this year’s theme “We Are Singapore”, the highly anticipated funpacks are presented in hard-wearing tote bags. Two notable items included in the funpacks are the Light Bubble, embodying something like a light-enabled handheld maraca that rattles when it is shaken, and a sizable plaque that is painted red on one side, and white on the other. Doubling up as a useful sunshade, the plaques are said to be for audience participation during the parade. Aside from well-known Singapore snacks such as cream-filled bun from local bakery brand Sunshine and fish skin crackers in salted egg yolk flavor, the funpack also includes a handy-dandy visor, discount booklet, a magazine filled with fun facts about NDP 2018, and a miniature Singapore flag standee. The funpack is also fitted with a shoulder sling, plus an additional long sling for various wearing preferences.

 

The following is a summary of events that will be happening this National Day where you can soak yourself in the celebratory atmosphere!

 

 

 

You can choose one of the fireworks viewing spots in the town area to see the sky lit up, together with helicopter and airplane displays! If you are travelling by public transport, these are the following to-go-places to catch the stunning display of fireworks; City Hall, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Bayfront, Downtown or Promenade MRT station.

 

Do note that the fireworks show usually end between 8:00pm and 8:15pm to 8:30pm. So remember to be there early so you won’t miss it!

 

When: 9 August 2018

Cost: Free

 2. Learn about how the pioneers’ contributed to Singapore

 

Get into the National Day spirit with your family! With storytelling sessions of Singapore, regaling the adventures of pioneers as well as the tales of Red the Fighting Fish, your kids will be able to color their own Betta fighting fish, design tote bags as well as SG badges for them to bring home.

 

When: 9 August 2018

Time: 10am to 5pm

Where: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Cost: Free

www.sysnmh.org.sg

 

 

A series of workshops, film-screenings, talks and performances lined up for you as you uncover Singapore’s hidden stories and histories, from Japanese occupation to Nanyang’s poetry and music.

 

When: 4-5 August, 10-12 August 2018

Where: The Arts House

Cost: Free

www.theartshouse.sg

 

 

 

Wear your reds and whites and head down to Marina Barrage’s roof for a perfect view of the sunset, and of course, the National Day parade. There will also be a live screening of the parade available. You can also relive the spirit of Pasar Malam or night market with stalls from clothes to snacks and carnival games and rides for your little ones.

 

When: 9 August

Time: 11am to 9pm

Where: Marina Barrage

Cost: Free

www.pub.gov.sg

 

 

HomeTeamNS will be hosting live screening of the NDP, which is open to public at Sembawang, Bukit Batok and Balestier, but for members only at Tampines. All screenings are free, except at Sembawang (HomeTeamNS member: $30, non-member: $35). From August 9 to 12, head down to Bukit Batok for the Jin Ho Jiak Food Festival and enjoy a variety of local food and games.

 

Or simply head to Gardens By The Bay East for old-school games that are perfect for a picnic and a stunning view of the fireworks display.

 

When: 9 August 2018

Where: HomeTeam NS Sembawang, HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, HomeTeamNS Balestier, HomeTeamNS Tampines and Gardens By The Bay East

Cost: Various

www.hometeamns.sg/national-day-celebrations

 

 

The bouncy castles will be displayed at the National’s Museum’s front lawn on National day, from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm. Also, you can find a pop-up adventure playground made from everyday objects at the Banyan Tree.

 

Families can participate in the coloring contest that revolves around a Singapore icon and enjoy other activities such as balloon sculpting, literacy recitals, storytelling sessions and many more. 

 

When: 9 August 2018

Where: National Museum

Time: 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 6pm

 

 

Rediscovering the roots of Singapore - in the visual and cultural display of the Gardens by the Bay, from the orchid flower show to the Peranakan theme. You may also look forward to traditional Peranakan performances, workshops and Peranakan fashion shows.

 

When: From now till 22 August 2018

Where: Gardens By The Bay

Fee: Free entry, workshop prices apply.

www.gardensbythebay.com.sg