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
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!