NDP2023: Guide to National Day in Singapore

National Day themes are always a call for solidarity and this year's is no different. "Onward As One" is all about looking ahead with confidence and optimism, and building a shared future together. It shows in the new logo too, which depicts a lion's head gazing towards five starts and the horizon. It's emblematic of the values we should be keeping close to our hearts as we grow and advance. 

A sucker for National Day theme songs? 2023's is an uplifting piece titled Shine Your Light. Written and composed by Don Richmond, it's performed by local stars 53A, The Island Voices, lewloh, Olivia Ong, ShiGGa Shay, Iman Fandi, and Lineath. Watch the music video to see them visiting Singapore's landmarks all dressed up in red and white as they sing lines like "Go! Shine your light upon the world", "Make it bright" and "We're onward as one, ready to go". 

The National Day Parade heads to the historic Padang this year. 

This year, the parade and ceremony as well as the total defence display segment, have been combined under Defending Our Nation as One. Highlights include the Military Tattoo – a hybrid performance that will include precision drills and band performances – alongside favourites like the state flag flypast, 'Salute-to-the-Nation' bomb burst flown by fighter aircraft, and an enhanced RSAF55 aerial display. 

This is followed by a film about a boy who seeks to uncover what Total Defence is all about. It strings together three components of the Total Defence Parade: six floats to represent the pillars of Total Defence, a combined SAF, SPF, and SCDF drive-past, and a finale to pay tribute to Singaporeans who have played a part in Total Defence. 

The celebrations continue in the NDP 2023 Show segment. Called Building Our Shared Future As One, the show celebrates Singapore's melting pot of cultures and identities through four live acts featuring 43 artistes and a whopping 2,400 performers in grand song and dance performances. These are interwovem with three short films, which showcase 19 Singaporeans and their stories about their dreams, passions, and aspirations. 

A good hangover from the Covid-19 pandemic days is that NDP celebrations now spill over to the heartlands. One August 5 and 6, you and your family can enjoy celebrations at Bedok, Jurong West, Woodlands, and Toa Payoh stadiums. Our Tampines Hub will also be joining the festivities on August 6. 

Called the Get!Active Singapore Heartlands Festival, heartland activities will include sports tryouts, kampung games, experiential activities (like Nerf and Zorb ball), family-oriented activities (like bouncy castles and community mural painting) and live performances. Other highly-anticipated events include the State Flag flypast, the RSAF55 Island Flypast, and of course, an explosive fireworks medley. Apply for an e-ticket from July 15 at noon onwards.                                                                                              

If you can't watch the National Day Parade at the Padang itself, then catch all the action, song and dance on your telly and social media platforms. The show will be broadcasted live on screens islandwide, showcasing the parade in full HD glory. Head to NDPeeps on Facebook and YouTube to tune in. 

All NDP rehearsals and previews are now over 

NDP rehearsals are over, but there are still a couple of National Education (NE) shows for school kids as well as previews for the public. NE shows are happening on July 2, 8 and 15, while the previews will take place on July 22 and 29. Ticket applications for previews and the actual NDP date have closed, but you can try to book hotel rooms close to the Padang if you're determined to get as close as you can to the fireworks and festivities!

The main star of the NDP is, undeniably, the prodigious pyrotechnics. This year, the usual main fireworks display will take place at the Padang, with simultaneous light-ups at heartland venues. 

Fireworks will also be set off at five heartland locations on August 9, the same time as the display at the main parade in Marina Bay. From 8pm, fireworks will be seen at these places: 

• Jurong West Stadium
• Woodlands Stadium
• Bedok Stadium
• Our Tampines Hub
• Toa Payoh Stadium 

This year, SG Enable worked with 21 artists with disabilities from various social service agences and special education schools to design and create the artwork on the NDP packs. Inspired by Singaporean symbols and icons like the Vanda Miss Joaquim and our MRT map, these packs pay tribute to Singapore's diversity and inclusivity. 

On National Day, do remember to check the road closure advisory on ndp.gov.sg for information about streets to avoid while commuting. As can be expected, roads around the Padang such as St. Andrews Road, Esplanade Drive and Nicoll Highway will be affected by the parade proceedings, so take careful note if you're in the area to avoid any inconvenience.