NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS

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NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/8jul25_news1
08 Jul 2025 | COMMUNITY

NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS

The National Day festivities don’t end at the Padang! Continue the fun at five heartland locations on 10 Aug.

//STORY BY DARREN KHO /PHOTOS BY PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Give servicemen and women a smile and a wave as the Mobile Column makes its way along five routes across the island! 

This year, the National Day Parade (NDP) experience is set to be bigger and more accessible than ever as Singapore celebrates her 60th birthday.

From 4pm to 9pm on 10 Aug, celebration sites in five neighbourhood hubs – Bukit Gombak, Yishun, Bishan, Punggol and Wisma Geylang Serai – will come alive with a host of activities.

These include crowd-favourite segments from the main parade, like the mobile column, Red Lions and aerial flypasts, as well as unique community showcases, and breathtaking fireworks to top it all off.

Here’s our quick guide to what’s happening!

An impressive array of 60 vehicles from the SAF and Home Team will be taking part in this year’s Mobile Column to Heartlands.

Crowd favourites are back

The Mobile Column returns to the heartlands for the first time since 2020! Sixty vehicles from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team will travel along five routes from the F1 Pit Building to the five heartland sites.

You can even follow the convoys’ real-time progress along the various routes through a live tracker on www.ndp.gov.sg!

For Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Chek Wei Lun, Chairman of the Mobile Column to Heartlands Committee, the mobile column is more than just a display of hardware.

"It has always been a symbol of strength and a showcase of the commitment of the SAF and Home Team (in defending Singapore)."

Don’t miss the chance to grab a photo with the military assets on display!

This year, for the first time, the Mobile Column will stop at designated pit stops for up to 90 minutes, allowing the public to get up-close and engage with crew manning the various assets.

And after the convoys complete their journey at each of the five heartland sites, the vehicles will be set up as static displays.

The Fighter Island Flypast will soar across the heartlands in the early evening on 10 Aug.

Look to the skies from 6pm to 6.30pm to catch the Fighter Island Flypast! Four F-16s will fly in a stunning diamond formation to commemorate the country’s diamond jubilee.

The planes will make two loops around the island so that more people can catch a glimpse of them

The highly anticipated Red Lions are making a return to Bishan this year.

This time, the famous Red Lions will be landing in Bishan! A team of seven parachutists will make their descent at about 4pm.

Make sure to head over to the five heartland sites to catch the fireworks and drone show!

To cap off the celebrations, every heartland site will host its own grand finale, just like at the Padang.

Following the traditional Pledge taking and the singing of the National Anthem, the night sky will light up with spectacular fireworks and a drone show.

COL Kwek and LTC Chek at the Central Singapore booth’s “ConnectSG: The People’s Puzzle”, an interactive game to find matching puzzle pieces, which symbolises the formation of new friendships.

The drive to bring the parade to more people is a core part of this year's NDP vision.

Co-Chairman of the NDP 2025 Heartland Celebrations Committee, Colonel (COL) David Kwek, explained the intent to create a wider, more inclusive celebration.

"We are expanding our canvas beyond the Padang and (Marina) Bay, and we intend to reach out to as many Singaporeans as possible." 

Unique showcase in every district

Each of the five heartland sites will feature a unique theme and distinct activities, ensuring a special experience for residents in every corner of Singapore.

The Central Singapore celebration site showcases how nurturing community connections and care today helps to shape the nation's tomorrow.

Central Singapore (Open field beside Bishan Junction 8)

With the theme "Nurturing Communities, Shaping Tomorrow," this site will feature "60 Stories, 1 Heart," an installation celebrating Singapore's community champions across generations.

Participants can explore 60 inspiring stories through interactive audio and visual displays.

Another activity to look forward to is “Thumbs Up for SG60!”, which invites Singaporeans to leave coloured thumbprint stickers on a giant map, each representing one of the five stars on the national flag.

COL (NS) Halmie showcasing the South West celebration site’s booth.

South West (Bukit Gombak ActiveSG Stadium)

The "Together We Shine and Spark" celebration in the South West site will feature "Ignite the Hope, Extend the Glow," an attempt to enter the Singapore Book of Records for the "Largest Display of Floating Lanterns" (more than 6,000!).

Residents can design and personalise their own LED floating lanterns, creating this living artwork together as one community.

Leading the planning for the Western District is Colonel (NS) Halmie Bin Hussein Mattar. For him and many other NSmen (Operationally Ready National Servicemen) involved in NDP, it is a significant undertaking that requires a delicate balancing act.

"It’s the support and the encouragement from family that helps me to make sure that I do my best in everything," said COL (NS) Halmie, whose son is currently serving National Service.

The North East site aims to capture the spirit of “One Hope”, where the community's collective aspirations come together for a shared and brighter future.

North East (Open field beside One Punggol)

Under the theme "One Hope," the North East celebration site will feature the unveiling of the largest SG60 structure made of lollipops. Contributed by volunteers and residents, it serves as a symbol of togetherness and pride.

There will also be many interactive booths set up by each of the 24 community centres’ interest groups, such as Tamiya cars and balloon sculpting.

A spectacular drone show choreographed by Singapore Institute of Technology students will act as the night’s finale there, lighting up the sky with iconic national symbols.

The North West booth reflects the district's “Heartbeat”, celebrating a community kept strong and united through the rhythm of shared service and inclusivity.

North West (Open Field beside FutsalArena @ Yishun)

The "Pledge to Serve @ North West" campaign encourages residents to pledge community service hours, which are tracked on a live LED display. It serves as a reminder that every act of service, no matter how small, plays a part in shaping a stronger and more inclusive Singapore.

The site will also feature resident-created art installations showcasing four iconic landmarks from the district, namely Bukit Timah Railway Station, Woodlands Checkpoint, Lower Seletar Reservoir Heritage Bridge and Beaulieu House.

The South East booth gives a glimpse into how the district is “Bridging Generations, Stronger Together” by celebrating a rich heritage and enduring kampong spirit.

South East (Open field next to Wisma Geylang Serai)

Highlights here include the "Rink of Light," a magical roller-skating space for families, and the "Red Dot Dash," a charity challenge where every registration fee supports Singaporeans with disabilities . There will also be finger painting and batik art events catered towards families.

Know before you go

Date and Time: 10 Aug (Sun), from 4pm to 9pm

Locations: Open fields at Bishan Junction 8, One Punggol, FutsalArena @ Yishun, Wisma Geylang Serai, and Bukit Gombak ActiveSG Stadium

Ticketing: Tickets are free and available for collection from 8 Jul at any of 113 Community Clubs. Collection is on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two tickets per person. There is no imposed limit on the number of tickets per household. The ticket will entitle the holder to a complimentary NDP pack.

More Info: For detailed information, visit the official NDP website at www.ndp.gov.sg

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