NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS

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!

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 commitment of the SAF and Home Team (in defending Singapore)."

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. A ticket is required for entry and entitles the holder to a complimentary NDP pack.

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