42,000 celebrate Singapore’s birthday at National Stadium
No Red Lions, mobile columns at the indoors venue but spectators are closer to parade contingents
On Sunday, August 9, Singaporeans gathered at the National Stadium to commemorate the country's 61st National Day, with an impressive 42,000 spectators filling the stands. This marked the first time the parade had returned to the indoor venue since 2016. The festivities featured a record-breaking 32 contingents, with over 1,200 participants across 26 contingents joining the military ceremonial parade.
The show portion of the event was performed in five chapters by 2,000 performers, incorporating record-breaking special effects, lighting, and even a drone display with 300 drones. Among the performances, singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko sang "You’ll Be Okay" while suspended 30 meters in the air. The National Day Parade concluded with the audience reciting the Pledge and singing the National Anthem, followed by the lighting of fireworks above the stadium.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a National Day Message, highlighting Singapore's robust economic growth and the resilience of the labor market. He acknowledged the global uncertainties and assured the citizens that Singapore is refreshing its approach to industry and trade, investing heavily in people, and utilizing AI to create better jobs and raise productivity.
Wong announced plans to support families and lighten the load during the National Day Rally on August 23.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
