FAMILY, FOOD , AND OUR FUTURE

Over 3,000 performers, I2 artistes celebrate Singapore spirit in colourful show segment

As night fell, softening the day's heat, a change came over the audience at the Padang while they settled in to await the show segment of the National Day Parade (NDP).

They had been feted by giant balloon mascots in the pre-parade show, witnessed the marching contingents and Total Defence show, and oohed and aahed at the aerial displays, including the popular Red Lions parachutists descending on the Padang.

Spirits were high as the audience, in red and white, waved their Singapore flags. On each person's wrist, the LED wristbands given by the parade organiser bathed the stands in red, as they blinked to the rhythm of the music, while onto the stage came a 20m-long ship, pulled by a group of men.

The camera went in close to show that they were older men in their 60s and 70s. The metal ship opened up to reveal labourers, construction workers and samsui women in traditional costumes.

The 2024 NDP is themed Together, As One United People, and the show segment began with a tribute to Singapore's pioneers in Chapter Three of the parade.

A total of 12 artistes and more than 3,000 performers came together to mark Singapore's birthday at this year's parade.

During Chapter Three, singer-songwriter Amni Musfirah and the singers from the Music and Drama Company performed an original NDP composition, Hold Up The Sky, while LED cubes were driven around the stage alongside them for an eye-catching visual.