One of the highly anticipated things that come with National Day is no doubt the fireworks display that punctures the evening sky with its dazzling work of art.
Though it’s a bummer that we will not see the usual National Day Parade (NDP) show happening at the floating platform at Marina Bay due to this new normal (read: the pandemic), the fireworks display promises to reach every corner of Singapore, the NDP committee confirmed on Thursday (6 Aug).
The NDP show will instead take place at a smaller venue, with the morning parade happening at the Padang and the evening show at The Star Performing Arts Centre.
NDP2020 Fireworks: 10 Confirmed Locations
Image source: NDP2020 website
For the first time in 55 years, fireworks will be launched at 10 locations across Singapore to encourage residents to stay home to view them, while ensuring their safety.
This year’s fireworks can be seen from as far as 8 kilometres away and can reach up to a height of 62 storeys high.
This will allow residents in the surrounding areas to still be able to catch the fireworks from the comforts of their homes.
The displays will start around 8.20pm local time just after the Pledge moment at the end of the National Day Parade (NDP) evening show held at the Star Vista, and last for about five minutes.
Image source: NDP2020 website
Residents near these ten locations may be able to view the fireworks from their homes:
- Ang Mo Kio
- Bishan
- Buona Vista
- Jurong Lake Gardens *
- Marina Reservoir *
- Punggol
- Sembawang
- Tampines
- Woodlands
- Yew Tee
* Venue will be closed however residents in neighbouring areas will still be able to see the fireworks.
Measures To Ensure Residents’ Safety
Viewers will not be able to get too close to the aforementioned larger venues to catch the fireworks such as in Jurong Lake Gardens and Marina Reservoir to avoid attracting crowds. These areas will be cordoned off for the public’s safety.
While bringing fireworks into the heartlands could spark some concerns especially on safety, these locations were reportedly chosen after considering factors like wind speed and size to ensure the safety of residents and personnel.
There will be an “immediate safety radius around the firing site, which can range from less than 100m for smaller fireworks sites to more than 400m (for larger ones) to address the safety of the public and the personnel on the ground,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Enriquez, chairman of the NDP2020 fireworks security committee.
Alongside around 2,000 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and security firm Aetos, there will also be safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers deployed across Singapore to ensure that safe distancing measures for all NDP-related activities are adhered to.
The public is also advised not to be alarmed by increased noise levels from flying activities and fireworks on 9 August.
If you would like to view the fireworks outdoors, ensure that you are wearing a mask and practise safe distancing.
Stay safe, and wishing everyone a very Happy National Day!
For more information on the NDP2020 activities and highlights, do visit their website here.
Lead image source: NDP2020 website
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