No tickets needed to join this party
National Day Parade will be broadcast live on large LED screens at several locations in the Marina Bay vicinity
Don't have a ticket to this year's National Day Parade at the Padang?
Fret not, as spectators at eight locations around Marina Bay can watch the performance live, too.
Seven of these locations do not require a ticket.
Large LED screens will be set up at these areas and will broadcast live images from the Padang so that the crowd can follow the celebrations.
This is in addition to roving street performances and other celebration events held around the Bay area.
All revellers at Marina Bay will also have one of the best views of the aerial display, the presidential gun salute, the Singapore flag fly-past and the fireworks display.
Colonel Frederick Choo, chairman of the engagement, celebrations and mobile column committee, said: "As this is a special year, we feel that many Singaporeans would like to come out in full force to celebrate our Golden Jubilee together.
"This is why we decided to turn the Marina Bay area, together with the Padang, into the heart of our celebrations this year."
Only the largest of the eight locations, the Float @ Marina Bay, will require a ticket to enter.
Audiences at the floating platform can watch pre- and post-parade performances on top of the live screening at the main event, jointly organised by Safra and the People's Association.
DRIVE PAST
A segment of the mobile column, comprising 28 vehicles, will drive past the float, said Col Choo, 35.
Around 100,000 to 150,000 people are expected to turn up at non-ticketed areas around Marina Bay to watch the celebrations.
Col Choo added: "Based on previous years, we expect people to congregate at Marina Bay to celebrate, so why not enhance their experience and make it something for them to remember?
"Marina Bay is also a place that holds significant meaning to Singaporeans as it didn't exist 50 years ago. We hope Singaporeans will be reminded of the vast progress we have made as a nation."
Locations of LED screens
- The Float @ Marina Bay (ticketed)
- Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza
- Marina Bay Sands Event Square
- The Promontory (For NTUC members only)
- Merlion Park
- Esplanade Theatres by the Bay
- Singapore Flyer
- Marina Barrage
That empty seat at the Parade
This year's National Day celebrations will include significant tributes to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
His seat at the National Day Parade will be left empty as a mark of remembrance.
Three former cabinet ministers - former education minister Ong Pang Boon, former labour minister Jek Yeun Thong and former social affairs minister Othman Wok - will be sitting next to the vacant seat.
The trio are the only surviving members of the group of 10 ministers, including Mr Lee, who signed the Independence of Singapore Agreement in 1965.
Drafted by the late former law minister E. W. Barker, the agreement between the Malaysia and Singapore governments was what granted Singapore its independence on Aug 9 that year.
This National Day, at 9am, Singaporeans will hear a recording made three years ago of Mr Lee reading the Proclamation of Independence. The broadcast will be preceded by the sounding of siren across the country.
The actual proclamation in 1965 was read by an announcer over radio.
Following the broadcast, residents at 82 National Day observance ceremonies across the island will sing the National Anthem and recite the pledge.
FORMER CABINET MINISTERS SAY
I'm honoured that we've been asked to sit next to Mr Lee Kuan Yew's empty seat. He is the man who brought Singapore to what it is today. He is truly an inspiration for all Singaporeans.
- Mr Othman Wok, 90, former minister for social affairs
The initial years of our nation-building were not easy but everyone believed in a single cause: To make Singapore a better home for ourselves and our children. Through sheer grit and determination, we came to where we are today. I am very happy to be attending the 50th National Day Parade
. - Mr Jek Yeun Thong, 85, former minister for labour
I remember being speechless when Dr Toh Chin Chye broke the news (of Singapore's separation from Malaysia) to me. It was with a heavy heart that I signed the agreement. But over the past 50 years, as I watched Singaporeans enjoy what we have created and built, I know with all my heart that we made the right decision. I am looking forward to being part of the Golden Jubilee National Day Parade.
- Mr Ong Pang Boon, 86, former minister for education
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