National Day has always been an exciting event for Singaporeans as we celebrate our nation’s independence day – watching colourful fireworks and singing the national anthem with pride together are some of our favourite things to do.
While watching the National Day Parade is on everyone’s to-do lists, not everyone’s that lucky to get tickets to the show. Do not despair if you did not manage to ballot for the tickets this year!
Here are 6 Places to Celebrate National Day 2016 with your family and friends. Now, stand up, Singapore! Singapore is turning 51!
Photo Credit: Alicesg
#1 KALLANG WAVE MALL
This year, National Heritage Board presents ‘50 Years of National Day Parades Exhibition’ that is happening now till 09 Aug 2016 at Kallang Wave Mall.
Travel back in time to the first parade held in 1966 when Singaporeans commemorated our first independence day. You will get to take a walk down memory lane and revisit images of all the national day parades that have taken place since the first.
The exhibition will showcase more than 100 pictures, taking you through the planning stages of the parades and highlight interesting past performances that are still deeply etched in our memories.
When: Saturday, 23 July to Tuesday, 09 August 2016
Photo Credit: vincentlyk
#2 ESPLANADE
Music festival fans will love this one! ‘Our Esplanade Estate’ is an upcoming event where you will get to enjoy performances, craft activities, exhibitions, a festival village and much more.
Spanning across three days, there is much to see and do. You can start by showing your support for our local talents such as Shirlyn & The UnXpected and Deyi Military Band, who will be putting up a series of performances.
Apart from that, have fun building a 3-metre tall cardboard sculpture or catch a local film screening at the Concourse.
When: Sunday, 07 August to Tuesday, 09 August 2016
#3 GARDENS BY THE BAY
In conjunction with this year’s theme ‘Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow’, there is a line-up of events leading up to National Day. Expect to dance and groove to a medley of chart-topping hits for 60 minutes with other dance buddies at Gardens by the Bay!
If dancing is not your thing, there are other sports activities such as bowling, sphere archery, shooting and also one for your kids—the inflatable obstacle course.
There is even a joint performance by the SAF central band and 14-piece Swiss Military Small Band. Families can relax and have a great bonding session here.
When: Sunday, 07 August 2016
Photo Credit: Victoria Park Villas
#4 SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
Declared as a UNESCO site last year, Singapore Botanic Gardens is a meaningful place to celebrate National Day at. It will be a shame to miss out on the experience of admiring the flora and fauna while listening to the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
In addition to the National Day festivities, Music Oasis 2016 at the Botanic Gardens comprises national songs that was written by local composers. Look out for Eric Watson’s ‘An Independent Note’, featuring an excerpt of the late founding Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s speech.
When: Saturday, 06 August 2016
#5 SAFRA CLUBS
Want a place where you can watch the NDP together with many other fellow Singaporeans? SAFRA will be screening the parade ‘live’ at all their clubs in Singapore!
Head down to the nearest SAFRA Club and join in the party. After all, celebrations are more fun and atmospheric when you are in a crowd right?
When: Tuesday, 09 August 2016
Photo Credit: tantan tanuki
#6 SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE
Parents who are looking forward to having a meaningful National Day celebration with their children can consider going to the Singapore Discovery Centre.
This year’s programmes aim to bring out the beauty of living in a multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore, and how Singaporeans can work together to build a better community for our nation.
When: Monday, 01 August to Friday, 26 August 2016
Great list