National Day Parade 2021 Moved To Aug 21

Amidst the latest COVID-19 restrictions and the emergence of new cases, the National Day Parade 2021 (NDP) will be postponed to August 21. All Singaporeans will be able to join the National Day celebrations safely at home as there will be a livestream of the parade.

To mark Singapore’s 56th year of independence, a ceremonial parade will be held on August 9 instead. It will be similar to the celebration held last year, but it will take place at the Marina Bay floating platform. This announcement was imparted by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

TIGHTER COVID-19 MEASURES

By the end of July, there was an emergence of a large cluster linked to Jurong Fishery Port. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated:

“Unfortunately, while our fishmongers and stall assistants were going about earning an honest living, they got infected at the port. As they went on to work at various markets around the island, many more cases in the community were seeded.”

Tightening of measures was deemed to be vital at this point. Changes in the NDP came as the country went back to stricter measures under Phase 2 – Heightened Alert. It was scheduled to last until August 18, after the National Day. During this period, dining inside eateries is not allowed, group sizes for social gatherings have been capped at two, capacity caps for attractions and malls were cut, and people were advised to minimize social interactions.

CANCELLATION OF FIREWORKS & CHANGES IN REHEARSALS

The Red Lions displays and heartland fireworks, previously announced to be held on August 7 and 8, will be cancelled. Rehearsals and preparations for the NDP will also be subjected to changes.

Last July 17, a combined rehearsal happened at the floating platform. Moreover, Red Lions parachutists made test jumps in Ghim Moh and Bishan on July 15. The succeeding rehearsals will be conducted in smaller component groups, according to Mindef. Dates will not be disclosed to the public to discourage crowds from gathering around Marina Bay.

NATIONAL DAY PARADE 2021

NDP 2021 is planned to be a centralized, in-person event at the Marina Bay floating platform. Precautions taken include requiring all the performers and spectators to be fully vaccinated. Performers must undergo rapid antigen testing before every rehearsal and spectators must undergo pre-event testing.

Tickets would be given to those who have contributed to the fight against COVID-19. These people include Singaporean front-liners, community volunteers, and essential workers.

Image Credits: unplash.com

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

NDP is an important event that brings together Singaporeans from all walks of life, as one united people to affirm unity and nationhood. Mindef said:

“The changes this year will enable NDP 2021 to be held in safer conditions, while maintaining that cherished tradition.”

Apart from the NDP changes, the Prime Minister’s Office adds that the National Day Rally will now be held on Aug 29.

Sources: 1 & 2

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What to expect for Singapore’s 56th birthday

NDP 2020

Do you remember how we celebrated our nation’s birthday last year? Instead of everyone gathering as one people at a venue, our sunny island focused on heartland activities instead.

But this year, things will be different. As we take steps to live with COVID-19 possibly becoming an endemic disease, this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will return to the Marina Bay floating platform.

While it will still be a scaled-down event, there are live performers and an audience. Here’s what to expect for the upcoming NDP 2021.

#1: Performers will be tested before every rehearsal

You’ve probably read or heard the news that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has achieved herd immunity with over 90% of personnel injected with a first dose of the vaccine.

This is definitely good news, but all performers will go through antigen rapid testing before every rehearsal. Most performers will also attend dry runs in smaller groups to ensure everyone’s safety.

#2: Only fully vaccinated individuals can enter

Wave goodbye to balloting as Singapore has decided to prioritise peeps who’ve contributed selflessly in our fight against the pandemic. So if you’re a front liner, essential worker, or a community volunteer, you might stand a chance to watch the parade live in person.

However, to enter as a spectator, you will have to be fully vaccinated. Similar to the performers, there will be mandatory pre-event testing.

#3: Look forward to heartland activities
NDP heartland activity

Image Credits: lifestyleasia.com

True patriots who aren’t able to watch the NDP live in person don’t have to be blue. There will still be heartland activities, and we believe the organisers will release more details as National Day draws nearer.

If it’s similar to last year’s, residents can expect fireworks displays throughout our tiny red dot, mobile columns around the neighbourhoods, and parachutists doing their thang. Stay tuned for more information to come!

#4: NDP 2021 may not be well prepared

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has called on Singaporeans to be understanding should the show be not as well prepared compared to past years. This is due to shorter preparation times amid the evolving COVID-19 situation.

“NDP is as much about each Singaporean using the occasion to affirm together what we value about Singapore. We hope that the NDP will uplift, we hope that the NDP will encourage. We hope that the NDP will give us a wider perspective, because it’s been a tough year, a year and a half, and I think with Singaporeans’ help, we can achieve it,” he noted.

#5: Theme song is sung by well-known artists

Composed by local singer Linying and music producer Evan Low, this year’s NDP official song is titled “The Road Ahead”.

Hear the voices of Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shye-Anne Brown, and Shabir and watch the music video directed by Huang Junxiang and Jerrold Chong via the YouTube link above!

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