More fireworks to be let off at this year's NDP

SINGAPORE — Traditionally the highlight marking the end of the National Day Parade, fireworks will be set off throughout the show this year — at double the number compared to last year — to thrill the crowd and highlight the music and performances. 

After the National Anthem is played, fireworks spelling out “SG50” will be set off at the Padang, accompanied by a dazzling golden dome of fireworks from the Marina Basin. The finale will feature fireworks that explode continuously for 20 seconds, forming a brilliant blitz that lasts five minutes.

“We hope to evoke a feel-good, proud and celebratory mood with all the different colours and effects,” said NDP Chairman of Fireworks Military Expert 6 Manimaran at a media briefing on Friday. There will be 165 different types of fireworks bursts, with different shapes and colours. They will shoot up to heights of 200m, with these high-level firework shells exploding in every segment of the parade. 

The fireworks will be set off from 10 sites: The Padang, two water barges at the Marina Basin and Marina Channel, and the rooftops of seven buildings in the Marina Bay area. At the Padang, fireworks will shoot forth from 23 towers, stationed at the rooftop of the seating arena. 

The specially constructed barges will allow those at the Marina Bay and Marina South to enjoy a broader display of fireworks. This year’s barge at the Marina Basin is the largest ever, at 300m by 150m. A rainbow arc of fireworks will be set off along the whole stretch of the Marina Basin barge during the show. The team has been refining the fireworks after each rehearsal in collaboration with the show and music directors, altering the firing spots or effects to better complement the music and costumes. 

In a dance by primary school children in illuminated costumes, for example, fireworks go off in the corresponding colour when their costumes change colour. Fireworks will also be set off during the Jubilee weekend on Aug 7 and 8 in conjunction with other celebrations at the Marina Bay.

CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this article, we misreported the size of the barge at Marina Bay this year. It measures 300m by 150m. We apologise for the error.