Marina Bay area to play central role in NDP celebrations
SINGAPORE — To involve an estimated 200,000 Singaporeans in this year’s National Day Golden Jubilee Celebrations, the Marina Bay area will be transformed into the heart of festivities at several celebration sites across the Bay.
SINGAPORE — To involve an estimated 200,000 Singaporeans in this year’s National Day Golden Jubilee Celebrations, the Marina Bay area will be transformed into the heart of festivities at several celebration sites across the Bay.
Chairman of the Parade’s Engagement, Celebrations and Mobile Column (ECMC) Colonel Frederick Choo said the decision to do so, after years of decentralised celebrations in the heartlands, was to tap on the collective and “electrifying” spirit of so many Singaporeans in one location.
He added that the committee also noticed many Singaporeans congregating around the Marina Bay in previous years to watch the proceedings and the fireworks.
“This is a place that carries significant meaning to Singapore, as it didn’t use to exist just 50 years ago,” said Col Choo. The Marina Bay area was built on reclaimed land over the decades since independence, and has developed into the financial hub of the Republic.
“We hope Singaporeans that come to the Marina Bay area will be reminded of the vast progress that we’ve made as a nation in a matter of five decades,” he said.
Proceedings at the Padang will be projected on large LED screens at The Float @ Marina Bay and seven other sites: Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Event Plaza; MBS Event Square; The Promontory @ Marina Bay; Merlion Park; Esplanade Theatres by the Bay; Singapore Flyer; and the Marina Barrage.
Elements of the parade such as the mobile column and marching contingents will make an appearance at these locations. They afford Singaporeans gathered there clear views of crowd favourites such as the aerial flypast, presidential gun salute and the fireworks display.
Each location will feature performances by local celebrities and artistes, such as Vernon Cornelius from 60s band The Quests, and upcoming talent such as YouTube sensation Ling Kai.
Other activities to get Singaporeans involved outside the Padang include roving performances by Joget dancers in traditional Malay costumes and street magicians.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen visited the rehearsals today (July 25) and said the mood on the ground at the Padang and the other satellite sites was upbeat. Having sat in on the mobile column’s rehearsals to get a feel for the ground, he believes that the approach of spreading out the celebrations from the Padang has worked.
“I believe that we’re on our way to really making everyone feel (that) this is something that all of us can participate in,” said Dr Ng. “This of course, together with the funpacks which we’re distributing to every home.”
Dr Ng added: “We’re hoping that when Aug 9 comes that they — the whole island — can come together and celebrate our 50th birthday. It’ll be a real birthday bash for Singapore.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA