The multi-ministry taskforce has just confirmed the end of the circuit breaker on 1 June, but measures will gradually be lifted in phases, which means we’re still taking a lot of precautions for months to come.
This year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will also have to be done differently.
The NDP organising committee announced its plans on 20 May, which focus on allowing Singaporeans to join the celebrations from home.
As of now, there should be no live audience physically present at the show, said chairman of the NDP executive committee, Brigadier-General Frederick Choo.
However, the committee is watching the situation closely and will act according to any changes to the Covid-19 guidelines.
There will also be no national education or preview shows this year.
The Morning Parade
Celebrations will start with a broadcast of the Prime Minister’s National Day Message, followed by a “dignified and compact” parade at the Padang.
To let more Singaporeans witness the parade from home, some traditional elements will be conducted in locations around the island.
The state flag flypast, F-15 fighter jet aerial display, Red Lions free-fall jump and the mobile column will happen in the heartlands for the first time.
The parade size will be reduced by about 90 per cent this year, with about 200 participants instead of the usual 1,800.
The Evening Show
Many Singaporeans might be disappointed that they can’t attend the evening show in person this year, but they can still enjoy “intimate and small-scale” performances on TV and online.
The evening segment will be streamed from The Star Performing Arts Centre.
The number of performers will also be reduced to around 80 to 100 people, compared to about 2,600 performers at the Padang last year. Performers will need to wear masks and carry out safe distancing as well.
The show will feature performances by the Singapore Armed Forces, Home Team, and the Music and Drama Company, along with a small line-up of local artistes.
However, mass performances from organisations like the People’s Association, SOKA and the Ministry of Education will be scrapped.
While performances are kept smaller and shorter, people watching from home can expect more films and uplifting Singaporean stories.
At the end of the festivities, they can also view fireworks that will be set off from more than 10 locations.
Stay Home And Participate
Singapore’s 55th birthday, themed ‘Together, A Stronger Singapore’, is all about “bringing NDP across the island into every Singaporean home”.
People can participate in virtual activities like an NDP workout and family cooking.
They can also submit a recording of themselves singing a national day song, which will be put together into a virtual choir.
About 1.2 million fun packs will be distributed to every Singaporean and PR household, with items like pledge cards, handheld flags and torch filters.
During the evening show, there will also be a light-up segment where people can show their appreciation for front-line workers and community heroes by lighting up their phones.
Both the parade and evening performances will also pay tribute to front-line workers fighting against Covid-19.
“This year’s NDP will be a landmark one. For the first time since independence, instead of bringing Singaporeans to a location, we will bring NDP across the island into every Singaporeans home,” said BG Choo.
Rehearsals will start at the end of the circuit breaker on 1 June.
Featured Image Credit: HomeTeam NS
