NDP 2024: Heartland celebrations sites announced for Singapore's 59th birthday

SINGAPORE: This year's National Day heartland celebrations will take place at Bishan, Punggol, Yishun, Paya Lebar and Buona Vista.

Happening on Aug 10, a day after National Day, the celebrations will feature static displays of vehicles from the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force, said the organisers in a news release on Friday (Jul 12).

There will also be exhibits, performances, family-friendly activities, and fireworks.

The celebrations - organised by the People’s Association (PA) in partnership with the National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 Executive Committee - will be held at the following locations, each with a unique theme:

• Central district: “Unity in Diversity” at the open field opposite Bishan Circle Line MRT Station
• North-east district: “One HOME” at the Punggol open field next to Waterway Point
• North-west district: “Moving Forward, Cherishing our Past” at the open field next to FutsalArena @ Yishun
• South-east district: “Lights Up, Power Up” at the open field next to Paya Lebar Quarter 1
• South-west district: “Hearts ToGather” at the open field next to Buona Vista MRT Station

The sites will be open on Aug 10 from 4pm to 9pm.

The public can now collect the tickets for the celebrations at their districts at their nearest community clubs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each person can collect a maximum of two tickets.

Ticket-holders will be able to access the respective celebration site and receive a complimentary NDP pack.

Co-chairman of the NDP 2024 heartland celebrations committee and PA group director of grassroots Pow Choon Ghee said: “PA and our grassroots organisations hope that by bringing the National Day celebrations closer to residents, we can foster a sense of togetherness among neighbours and instil a sense of national pride.”

“We have curated numerous interactive activities with a local twist, there are programmes, and hands-on workshops to engage Singaporeans of all ages across five heartland locations, each with its own unique theme.”

Colonel Edwin Chua, co-chairman of the NDP 2024 heartland celebrations committee, added: “We want all Singaporeans to be able to enjoy NDP favourites such as the fireworks, take pictures with vehicles from the SAF, SPF and SCDF, and enjoy the performances and exhibits.”

More details, such as the list of community clubs where tickets can be collected, can be found on the NDP website.

"TOGETHER, AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE"

Singapore celebrates 59 years of independence this year.

The theme for this year’s NDP is "Together, As One United People", which highlights the "collective strength" of Singaporeans and emphasises the importance of every citizen rallying together to shape Singapore’s future and uplift those around them, said the NDP executive committee in May.

This year’s NDP will feature a "warfighting" demonstration, taking place between the Padang and Marina Bay, to commemorate 40 years of Total Defence, Singapore’s national defence concept. 

The inaugural segment will showcase how the community and government respond to various scenarios such as air and maritime threats as well as civil emergencies and disruptions, the exco said.

NDP 2024 will also feature an Onward March at the Padang for the first time, where marching contingents will march onto the spectator stand.

Spectators can also look forward to an immersive 360-degree experience with enhanced multimedia and fireworks effects, the exco said.

Crowd favourites such as the Red Lions, state flag flypast and presidential gun salute will continue to be part of the NDP and will be broadcast live on television and internet platforms.