Aug 7 declared a public holiday for SG50 celebrations

SINGAPORE — The SG50 Steering Committee in a press release announced today (March 14) that as part of the Republic’s Jubilee celebrations, President Tony Tan has declared Aug 7 a public holiday.

(Screenshot of President Tony Tan's Facebook page)

Mr Heng Swee Keat, who is chairman of the SG50 Steering Committee, announced it on his Facebook page at noon: “I am happy to share that we are making 7 August 2015 a public holiday, and we will have an extended #SG50 Jubilee Weekend this year, from 7 August until 10 August. This means more time for Singaporeans to come together as one big Singapore family and commemorate our Jubilee.”

(Screenshot of Minister Heng Swee Keat's Facebook page)

Over the four-day Jubilee weekend, special programmes have been prepared for Singaporeans around the island, including “special concessions at public attractions and facilities," Mr Heng said. All museums and heritage galleries will also remain open during the four days.

Several attractions and facilities have also initiated discounted or free admission for Singaporeans over the Jubilee Weekend. These include Jurong Bird Park (50 per cent discount); Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (50 per cent discount, with free entry for seniors age 60 and above) at Gardens by the Bay; and free admission to the National Orchid Garden, Science Centre Singapore and ActiveSG swimming pools and gyms islandwide.

The Jubilee Weekend will kick off with the ComChest Heartstrings Walk 2015-SG50 Community Heartbeats at Marina Bay on Aug 7, a Friday. Other events will also take place at the Singapore Botanic Gardens; at West Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and Sembawang Park; and at the Singapore Sports Hub. The Marina Bay area will also host the Families for Life picnics at the Marina Barrage as well as aerial display performances by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Black Knights Team. The Gardens by the Bay will also have various displays for the event.

As part of SG Heart Map, Singaporeans will get to board special bus tours on Aug 7 and 10 that take them to places in Singapore that are "the most endearing places around this island", said the press statement.

The Botanic Gardens will host several performances from Aug 7 to 9 as part of NPark's SG50 Concert Series in the Park, while the Singapore Sports Hub plays host to the Sing50 concert, which will feature local and international talents.

All the events will culminate in the National Day Parade on Aug 9, which will, for the first time, span the entire Marina Bay area from Gardens by the Bay to the Padang.

More information on the activities can be found on the SG50 website.