As with every other event that’s been affected by Covid-19, this year’s National Day will be totally different from others. While we won’t be able to gather at the Padang and do the Kallang Wave with tens of thousands of others this year, the parade will instead be split into two main events – a morning parade at the Padang and an evening show at Star Performing Arts Centre. There’s still plenty to look forward to on Singapore’s 55th birthday! Here’s a complete guide to NDP 2020.
Morning parade
The day kicks off with the National Day Message from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, followed by a parade at the Padang reviewed by the President. It will be live-streamed for those who are staying home! Look up in the sky for the state flag flypast across the heartlands, while F-15SG fighter jets soar around the island for the Roar of Unity, passing along eight hospitals as a special tribute to frontliners and essential workers for their efforts in fighting Covid-19.
Fun fact: This will be the longest flypast in history, a 30-minute long affair that begins at the Padang at 10.45am and ends at Paya Lebar Airbase at 11.15am.
On the ground, the Mobile Column will see the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team's arsenal make their way around the heartlands estates (check out their routes here!) The Red Lions will also make special appearances in Jurong East and Sengkang. And for the first time in two decades, vessels from Republic of Singapore Navy, Police Coast Guard, and Singapore Civil Defence Force will come together in a maritime sailpast in the waters off Marina Bay against the skyline.
Afternoon activities
The afternoon of NDP 2020 encourages Singaporeans to participate in activities right from the comforts of our homes! There will be fun activities for the whole family, from bonding over a cooking activity to working out together, More details will be shared later so stay posted on the NDP’s website!
Evening show
Starting at 7pm, the show at Star Performing Arts Centre will be available to watch on TV and online.
Viewers can look forward to live performances and videos featuring local celebs such as Dick Lee and Nathan Hartono, who is performing this year’s NDP theme song “Everything I Am”. It will also feature the inaugural NDP Virtual Choir singing the National Day song “We Are Singapore”. The show will also pay tribute to frontliners, essential workers and community members who are working hard during the pandemic. The night will end with the singing of the National Anthem and reciting of the pledge at 8.20pm.
Fireworks display
The main star of every NDP is, of course, the fireworks display. But before you (and thousands of others) make a trip down to the Bay Area to catch a glimpse of the spectacular display, don’t forget that this year’s pyrotechnics show will also be set off in different areas in Singapore, more specifically at 10 different locations.
However, the exact locations have not yet been revealed, but we can try and pinpoint the areas where we can catch a glimpse of the fireworks, based on a map provided by the NDP committee:
If you’re brave enough for a trip into town, try to opt for rooftop bars and vantage points where social distancing is still possible. As with all National Day Parades, there will be road closures around the Padang and The Star Vista, so factor in public transportation and the crowd if you’re heading out!