Variety show to take centre stage at NDP 2013

SINGAPORE — This year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will be presented in a variety show format that features everyday Singaporeans with extraordinary stories.

The variety show will feature nine segments that showcase the diversity and uniqueness of Singaporeans, including the telling of traditional folk tales of Bukit Merah and Sang Nila Utama in the “Play” segment, and a mime performed by a hearing-impaired Singaporean in the “Aspire” segment.

The NDP theme song, called One Singapore, will be heard in the “Embrace” segment, performed by the Sing A Nation choir made up of 68 Singaporeans from all walks of life.

This will be followed by the “Love” segment, where Singaporeans partake in a sing-along of a medley of songs, the national anthem and a recitation of the pledge.

The final segment, “Party”, will be a dance party with DJ Aldrin spinning music to thank all participants of this year’s NDP.

Organisers say parade spectators can also expect to see a giant human LED screen formed by 800 people, as well as a multi-media display featuring the iconic Merlion as it moves across the bayfront from the Merlion Park.

Other highlights include a stunt show by extreme sportsmen, including BMX bikers, parkour runners, skate boarders and inline skaters.

This year’s NDP will also be 25 minutes longer than in previous years.

The Chairman of this year’s NDP show committee, Colonel David Chua, said: “Singaporeans are at the heart of this year’s show. When Singaporeans watch their fellow citizens perform, we trust that they will see their own stories, hopes and dreams reflected within and realise that they too, just like the volunteers on stage, can play a part to help make Singapore a place we can all call home, from generation to generation, whatever our backgrounds, and wherever we come from. Everyone can make a difference.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA