In Singapore, National Day celebration is a big thing. The show itself, though routine and expected, is always spectacular in its own way and involves a lot of performers and cast. In the year 2015, as Singapore is celebrating SG50 (50 years of independence), the golden jubilee celebration is even more grand.
Naturally, a big budget is set aside for the event. Fortunately for common people like us, tickets are free, though have to be obtained through a ballot. So nothing is certain.
As Singapore is small, we only have a few places to host the celebration, usually the padang near city hall or the floating platform overlooking marina bay sands.
This year, 2018, it is held at the floating platform. Tickets are available for balloting for the Previews 1, 2 and the actual show. Previews 1 and 2, meant to be rehearsals for the performers, are scheduled on the last two saturdays before the actual show.
During balloting, we can choose to watch either the preview or the actual, but not both. I guess it may be easier to get tickets for the preview, which is what we did this year. Tickets can be had for 2, 4 or 6. Again, I think it's easier to ballot for 2 tickets rather than more.
And of course, the NDP show always features a massive and impressive fireworks display. This year, they actually display the fireworks throughout the performing arts segment instead of concentrating them at the end.
For those who are not inclined to make the trip to the show venue, the entire show is also televised live on national channels on national day itself. This year's a usual three hours show and it certainly wows!
Naturally, a big budget is set aside for the event. Fortunately for common people like us, tickets are free, though have to be obtained through a ballot. So nothing is certain.
As Singapore is small, we only have a few places to host the celebration, usually the padang near city hall or the floating platform overlooking marina bay sands.
This year, 2018, it is held at the floating platform. Tickets are available for balloting for the Previews 1, 2 and the actual show. Previews 1 and 2, meant to be rehearsals for the performers, are scheduled on the last two saturdays before the actual show.
During balloting, we can choose to watch either the preview or the actual, but not both. I guess it may be easier to get tickets for the preview, which is what we did this year. Tickets can be had for 2, 4 or 6. Again, I think it's easier to ballot for 2 tickets rather than more.
Successful applicants for the ballot will receive notice by text and will be required to collect this ticket at the National Gallery Singapore, an under visited attraction in Singapore.
Anyway, coming to the National Day Parade preview...
A long queue starts at the Marina Square shopping mall.
Everyone gets to receive a free goodie bag. There are snacks, bottled water and some national day stuff. How cool is that?
Taking in the great views of the floating platform and the marina bay sands. This year, the show begins with the hosts introducing the 5 mascots, some of those dating back to my childhood days... Nostalgia haha!
My seat among the thousands of spectators. The audience is encouraged to be in either red or white attire, colours of the Singapore flag.
The red lions, an all time favourite of the NDP
The military parade, demonstrating Singapore's military prowess. The military vehicles didn't really make much of an appearance this year.
Even the packaging on the snacks in the goodie bag celebrates our national day
The Singapore flag flypast when singing the national anthem
After the military parade segment, the second segment is always the performing arts. This involves some of our history. I notice the aviation theme - aircraft engines and propellors
Some interactive element with the audience showing the placards given in the goodie bag.
For those who are not inclined to make the trip to the show venue, the entire show is also televised live on national channels on national day itself. This year's a usual three hours show and it certainly wows!
