In view of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, NDP2020 will be going virtual, with a slew of activities in store to bring the celebrations to the heartlands.
It will be a "digitalised and immersive experience" with a series of home engagement activities throughout the day, the organising committee announced on Wednesday, May 20.
The iconic parade will be split into two segments to be broadcast live and on internet platforms. They are, namely, a morning segment at the Padang and an evening performance at The Star Performing Arts Centre at Buona Vista.
This is also the first time in history that the evening performance will be held indoors.
NDP2020 will begin with the National Day Message by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, followed by a parade at the Padang reviewed by the President.
For the first time, traditional NDP favourites will move across Singapore and through the heartlands. The “Fly Our Flag” aerial display will see the state flag flying past homes across the nation, while the “Roar of Unity” by our F-15SG fighter jets will soar around the island.
On land, the Mobile Column will bring assets from the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team to homes throughout the country. The Red Lions, which had always been a crowd favourite, will also make special appearances at selected heartlands locations.
For the evening celebratory show, instead of mass performances, NDP2020 will feature smaller-group setups, as well as performers comprising everyday Singaporeans and well-known local celebrities.
Through films and live stage performances, the show aims to convey the messages of resilience, solidarity, optimism and hope amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It will culminate in a fireworks showcase that will set off from more than 10 different locations across Singapore.
Under the theme of “Together, A Stronger Singapore”, NDP2020 calls on Singaporeans to stay united as one people, and work together to emerge from our challenges stronger than before.
“This year’s NDP will be a landmark one – for the first time since our independence, instead of bringing Singaporeans to a location, we will bring NDP across the island into every Singaporean home," said Chairman of the NDP2020 Executive Committee, Brigadier-General Frederick Choo.
"Just like the past 54 NDPs, NDP2020 will be an unyielding reminder that Singapore will keep going on. COVID-19 will not deter us and we will continue to celebrate, but differently."