{
  "id": 34729,
  "title": "NDP 2026: Behind the scenes of NDP’s largest ever lighting production with over 1,600 moving lights",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/ndp-2026-behind-the-scenes-of-ndps-largest-ever-lighting-production",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ndp-2026-behind-the-scenes-of-ndps-largest-ever-lighting-production-with-over-1600-moving-lights"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's 61st birthday celebrations will feature an unprecedented lighting production, according to lighting designer Michael Chan. The National Day Parade (NDP) 2026 will showcase over 1,600 moving lights illuminating the National Stadium on August 9. Chan, who has been meticulously designing and programming every lighting cue for more than a year, explained that the committee initially requested about 50 percent more equipment compared to previous parades due to the larger scale of the National Stadium. The production will comprise 54 laser units, 1,654 entertainment lighting fixtures, and 170 special effects units. Chan, participating in the parade for the third time, aimed to create an immersive experience for spectators at the stadium and those watching at home. The fourth act of the parade, featuring a medley of television and theme songs transitioning every 30 to 50 seconds, presented the greatest challenge. Lighting plan designer Randy Chan conceptualized an arrow-shaped stage stretching over 160 meters, equipped with six stage lifts and eight tunnel entrances and exits to facilitate faster transitions and dynamic choreography. The National Stadium's scale, audience sight lines, and operational requirements guided the stage design. The NDP show management committee, headed by Lieutenant-Colonel Koh Jun Kiat, oversees the smooth operation of the entire production. Spotters and quick response teams are stationed around the stage and beneath it, ready to address any mishaps. Over 2,600 performers will participate in the parade, with 300 drones contributing to the synchronised light show alongside singer Jasmine Sokko and two aerialists.",
  "summary": "Getting the drones to fly in a synchronised manner with music and lights was one of the biggest challenges.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}