NDP 2021 to be held at floating platform with fully-vaccinated participants and spectators

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Monday (28 Jun) that this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) will be held physically at the Marina Bay floating platform as a centralised event.

The parade will be carried out in-person, with one preview and the main show.

There will be fewer participants and spectators, with the number of spectators allowed will be announced later.

Due to COVID-19 measures, all spectators will have to be fully vaccinated and must undergo pre-event testing to be allowed on grounds.

All performers have also been vaccinated and will undergo antigen rapid testing (ART) before carrying out every rehearsal in separate groups.

With the expectancy of two-thirds of Singapore’s population being fully vaccinated by National Day, Dr Ng said that it would reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

“With proper safety measures, it will be safe enough for us to conduct a physical NDP on the floating platform, and I hope that Singaporeans will give us the support.”

Crowds will still be managed with safe distancing ambassadors and administrators.

Last year, the NDP was held in a decentralised format with a morning show at the Padang and an evening show at The Star Vista.

It included fewer participants to avoid large crowds, with about 150 spectators in the morning show, and the evening show having 150 audience members. The event was broadcasted live on television and online platforms.

Although Dr Ng did not elaborate on the details, he did confirm there will still be heartland activities apart from the parade and main show. 

However, those who are yet to be vaccinated are advised to watch the activities at home and to avoid the crowds.

Due to COVID-19, participants will have less time to prepare for the show compared to previous years, where performers start rehearsing months before NDP.

Given the shorter preparation time, Dr Ng said: “We hope that Singaporeans will understand if the show is not as well-prepared as previous years, pre-COVID-19. 

“We have had less time to prepare, but NDP is as much about each Singaporean using the occasion to affirm together what we value about Singapore.”

The NDP organising committee will release more details of this year’s NDP soon.