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.
National Day Parade (NDP) 2017 will be held at The Float @ Marina Bay. This year’s parade will be an engaging spectacle for Singaporeans, with highlights such as a Salute to the Nation by the Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter aircraft, a special tribute to 50 years of National Service, two exhilarating Dynamic Defence Display segments as well as a Show segment featuring mass displays, special effects and active audience participation.
Ticket Application – Key Dates
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents can apply for tickets to the two Previews and National Day Parade (NDP) from 23 May to 4 June 2017.
Successful applicants will be notified from 26 June to 3 July 2017 via the contact number provided in their application. Successful applicants may collect their tickets from 7 to 9 July and 14 to 16 July 2017, between 10am and 9pm, at the National Gallery Singapore, Basement 1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium Foyer.
(Address of National Gallery Singapore: 1, St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957).
Ticket Application – Options
Applicants can choose to apply for two, four or six tickets to Preview 1 on 22 July 2017, Preview 2 on 29 July 2017, or NDP on 9 August 2017. Applicants should note that the lower the number of tickets applied for, the higher the chances of obtaining them.
Ticket Application – Process
Applicants may apply for tickets via the following modes:
Short Message Service (SMS) Step 1: Go to ‘Create Message’ under the SMS function of your mobile phone.Step 2: Key in your details in the format below and send it to 8240 0050 to apply for the tickets.
<NRIC No.> SPACE <Preview1/Preview2/NDP> SPACE <No. of Tickets>
Step 3: An SMS reply will be sent to you shortly to acknowledge receipt of your application.
Internet Step 1: Log on to the official NDP website at https://www.ndp.org.sg.Step 2: Select Ticket Balloting in the top navigation bar.
Step 3: Fill in all the fields as prompted on the screen before submitting the application form.
SAM / AXS Stations Step 1: Visit any SAM and AXS station. The locations of SAM and AXS stations can be found at https://www.singpost.com.sg and https://www.axs.com.sg respectively.Step 2: Fill in all the fields as prompted on the screen before submitting the application form.
Ticket Application – Terms & Conditions
Each NRIC holder is limited to ONE application regardless of the mode (‘mode’ being SMS, NDP website & AXS/SAM machines) used to apply. If more than one application is made, only the latest application will be entered for the electronic ballot when the application period ends on 4 June 2017. Tickets will be allocated via an electronic ballot system supported by NCS Pte Ltd, and audited by KPMG Service Ptd Ltd. Tickets are NOT allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
The balloting results are final and there will be no appeals. As each ticket admits one spectator to the parade, children (inclusive of infants) must hold a valid ticket to be admitted to the parade.
All successful applicants in the NDP 2016 ticket eBalloting exercise will not be eligible for the NDP 2017 ticketing eBalloting exercise.
Tickets are strictly not for sale, sold for any gain, monetary or otherwise.
The applicant gives consent to the NDP2017 Executive Committee to collect and disclose personal data provided in the ticket application forms as needed to facilitate the eBalloting process.
For further enquiries or feedback regarding NDP 2017 ticketing, please visit the official NDP website at https://www.ndp.org.sg.
