Tomorrow, Singapore celebrates 55 years of being an independent nation. We’ve had a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to a metropolis built by a unified people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Throughout that journey the country has learnt to adapt and modify its processes to stand where it does today. There’s a lesson for event people here as well. Adapt and modify.
What was usually a mass procession with thousands in attendance has been tweaked to ensure people can feel safe yet included in the country’s biggest celebration. This year’s planning must have come with its own unique set of challenges. NDP is now broken into a series of events and where the parade is usually held in one place, this year, segments will be carried out across the country:
- There will be no more mass audience and the vast majority of viewers will catch the parade procession and concert from home
- Each segment will happen in its own time and place. For example, the flypasts will take different routes from the mobile column, which will thread its way through the heartlands
- The number of onsite performers has been greatly reduced – the choir this year will be a virtual one!
- Home audiences can still participate in displays of solidarity by using items from their Singapore Together Packs at home
- The fireworks will be launched from 10 areas across the island so that many can enjoy the displays from home!
There’s a unique National Day experience in store for us this year and we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Singapore a safe and happy National Day.