NDP 2021: What To Expect This Year In Singapore

The countdown has begun for the Singapore National Day Parade - NDP 2021. Expect parade, fireworks, special shows and more on August 9, 2021, which marks the 56th year of independence of Singapore. 

Want to know what you can expect at NDP 2021? Here's a low down on everything that is happening this year. So make sure you are ready with your red and white outfits to celebrate this iconic day. 

NDP 2021 At Marina Bay 

• This year's NDP 2021 will be a centralised, in-person event and will return to the Marina Bay floating platform. However, it will be a closed event with limited entries in the wake of the pandemic.
• Tickets of NDP 2021 will not be open for public balloting. Instead, the parade will have spectators on an invite-only event. Tickets are for the everyday heroes of Singapore including the COVID-19 front liners, essential workers and community volunteers. The authorities say it's a gesture to recognise their efforts during a time of crisis.
• All parade attendees will need to undergo pre-event Covid testing. They also need to undergo both jabs of the vaccine. 
• The maximum limit for spectators is set at 1,000 for some of the specially selected pilot events. That will be six times more people than the 2020 edition.
• This is the first mass event being held amidst the pandemic. 

Live Events Combined With Virtual Events

• This year's NDP 2021 will combine live events with virtual elements for the performance.
• There is only one preview show before the actual main event on August 9, 2021.
• The Red Lions - Singapore's Army parachute display team will conduct freefall jumps over various heartland sites over the weekend leading up to National Day.
• Helicopters carrying the state flag and fighter jets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force will also fly across the heartlands on August 9. 

Precautionary Measures For NDP 2021 Live Performances

• The parade will take place with all Covid-19 social distancing measures in place. This will include dividing the 1,200 participants into smaller groups during rehearsals and performances. 
• All participants need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. They will also undergo weekly testing before entering the rehearsal venue. 
• Authorities will live stream the parade so people can watch the same in the comfort and safety of their homes. 

NDP 2021 Fireworks 

• Authorities are likely to light up the sky with fireworks at this year National Day Parade.
• The fireworks will be set off in the heartlands just like they were last year as well. 

New NDP 2021 Logo

More recently, the government revealed the new logo for NDP 2021.

The logo this year depicts a lion's head embedded with the number '56,' which represents Singapore's 56th year of independence and is a show of the nation's will and unity.

The five parts of the lion's mane also symbolise - democracy, progress, justice, peace, and equality. 

New NDP Theme Song

• The National Day this year also gets a new theme song titled 'The Road Ahead.'
• Written and composed by Singaporean singer Linying, The Road Ahead is produced by Evan Low and performed by Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shye-Anne Brown, and Shabir.
• The song also has a music video, which is a mix of live-action and animation directed by Huang Junxiang and Jerrold Chong.
• The concept of the video is around the theme of staying united and overcoming the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It shares a sense of optimism despite the challenges brought upon by the virus. 

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