Everyone, including visiting Malaysians, can join in the National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 celebrations in Singapore, even if they didn’t win tickets for the parade. Celebrate our Singaporean neighbour’s 59th year of independence on August 9th by finding the best spots to view the spectacular fireworks and enjoying various heartland festivities.
The yearly NDP celebration is something to look forward to because it’s the one time of year when people can simultaneously take in breathtaking aerial displays by the Red Lions, precise military formations, and sing along to sentimental songs about Singapore. Here is our guide on what to know about this year’s NDP events to get you started with the festivities.
What is the theme of Singapore’s NDP 2024?
The NDP 2024 theme is “Together, As One United People”. It highlights the collective strength of our people and underscores the importance of every citizen rallying together to share our future and uplift those around us. The theme reflects the spirit of Inclusivity, Community and Trust that enabled Singapore to overcome and flourish in the last 59 years.
The logo, consisting of the number “59” and the letters “SG”, celebrates Singapore’s achievements and collective efforts towards making the country our best home. In addition, the six ascending strokes symbolise the pillars of Total Defence to commemorate TD40 this year.
What is the theme song for NDP 2024?
The highly anticipated theme song for NDP 2024 is ‘Not Alone’. Composed and performed by homegrown musician Benjamin Kheng, the song pays homage to past NDP songs by incorporating familiar lyrics, evoking nostalgia, and rekindling Singaporeans’ connection to patriotic sentiments. The uplifting melodic chorus is a standout – “And the more we’re together the further we’ll go / You and I, We’re not alone”.
Where will the main National Day 2024 Singapore parade be?
The main NDP 2024 will be held at the Padang this year. This venue, located in front of National Gallery Singapore, also hosted the parade last year. Its usual performance location, The Float@Marina Bay (aka Marina Bay Floating Platform), is currently closed for redevelopment.
How to get to The Padang for National Day Parade 2024?
Attendees with valid tickets can best get to the location via MRT. Alight at either Raffles Place, City Hall, or Esplanade stations and walk approximately 10 minutes to The Padang.
To ensure smooth entry and exit, follow the instructions of ushers deployed at all stairwells, gates and routes. Spectators are strongly encouraged to leave the area by public transport like the MRT as taxis and private hired vehicles will be diverted due to road closures within the vicinity.
Where is the best spot to see the NDP 2024 fireworks?
The immediate vicinity within The Padang will be closed to public access for parade proceedings. But certain landmarks and open-air spaces are ideal spots to marvel at the spectacular NDP fireworks. Popular locations include The Esplanade Bridge near the Merlion, Helix Bridge near Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Fullerton Hotel, and the lawn outside the Asian Civilisation Museum and Victoria Concert Hall.
Those who wish to give a toast to Singapore’s 59th year of independence can head to restaurants and bars with front-row seats like 1-Arden Rooftop Terrace, Brewerkz One Fullerton, Caffe Fernet, Ce La Vi, Kinki, SKAI, and Southbridge.
NDP at the Promontory @ Marina Bay
The National Day 2024 Singapore celebrations will extend to the nearby Promontory @ Marina Bay for the first time. Also happening on 9 August, ticketed attendees can expect to see the longest distance Presidential Gun Salute sail past as the Mobility 3rd Generation raft arrives in the Marina Bay area for the Presidential Gun Salute.
They will also be able to see the ‘Salute to the Nation’ bomb burst, the State Flag Flypast as the CH-47SD/F carrying the State Flag, and escorted by two AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters, and the Red Lions as they make their descent into the Padang at the Bay area. Audiences will also be able to see the fireworks within the Bay area.
NDP 2024: Heartland Celebrations
NDP 2024 will also go into five heartland locations to continue the celebrations. It will be held a day later on 10 August 2024, from 4pm to 9pm. Each district will have its own unique theme and will feature static displays of SAF, SPF and SCDF vehicles, family-friendly activities, exciting carnival games, hands-on workshops, and captivating live stage performances to engage Singaporeans of all ages. Citizens can also enjoy fireworks in these heartland locations.
NDP 2024: Heartland Celebrations will be held at the following sites and are ticketed:
- Central Singapore District, at the open field opposite Bishan Circle Line MRT Station
- North East District, at the Punggol open field beside Waterway Point
- North West District, at the open field beside the Futsal arena in Yishun
- South East District, at the open field next to Paya Lebar Quarter 1
- South West District, at the open field next to Buona Vista MRT Station
From 12 July 2024 onwards, the public can collect the National Day Heartland Celebrations tickets for their district at their nearest Community Clubs/ Centres (CCs) on a first-come, first-served basis. Each member of the public can collect up to a maximum of two tickets, while stocks last. The ticket will enable the holder access to the respective Heartland Celebrations site within their District and a complimentary NDP pack.
Live Telecast of NDP 2024:
Those who wish to stay home to avoid the scorching heat can also opt to view the NDP live telecast at home. Besides watching on free-to-broadcast TV channels like Channel 5 and Channel 8, the NDP 2024 is also live-streamed on NDPeeps’ Facebook and YouTube social channels.
(Feature and hero image credit: Singapore Police Force/SPF)
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Written by
Derrick Tan
Digital Writer, Culture and Travel
Derrick believes in Anais Nin's quote, "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect." Always craving knowledge with a child-like mindset, he recognises the importance of digital journalism in the current state of media consumption. During downtime, he reads periodicals to keep up with current affairs and subcultures, being a wayfarer and can be seen at live music concerts.
