COMMUNITY

Happy 61st birthday, Singapore!

09 Aug 2026

Experience the magic of Singapore’s 61st birthday: Returning to the National Stadium after 10 years, NDP 2026 dazzled the crowds with an unforgettable show.

Story by Lee Kah Kit

Photos by PIONEER photographers, Tedd Jong & courtesy of NDP 2026 EXCO

A grand parade with the largest and most diverse civilian participation in over a decade. Stunning music and dance performances, including the debut of 300 drones in a synchronised light show. 25-pounder guns firing off in the Kallang Basin.

More Singaporeans than ever got to enjoy the biggest “concert” of the year at the National Stadium, which accommodates about 42,000 spectators (15,000 more than last year’s Padang venue).

Here’s a look at what went down at the National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations!

This year’s parade kicks off with 61 Singaporean athletes and coaches carrying the Singapore flag in a relay around the entire stage. Among them is 34-year-old Paralympic Swimming Gold Medalist Yip Pin Xiu (centre, carrying the flag).
The Colours Party enters the National Stadium to signify the start of Chapter 1, the much-anticipated Parade and Ceremony segment. Their crisp drills reflect months of disciplined training.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam inspecting the Guard of Honour contingents.
For the first time, the Presidential Gun Salute fires off directly from the Kallang Basin. This 21-gun salute is timed precisely to match Mr Tharman’s review of the parade.
The full parade – consisting of 26 civilian contingents alongside six military marching contingents and the Singapore Armed Forces Band - forms up as the indoor pyrotechnics fire off.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s CH-47 Chinook helicopter, escorted by two AH-64D Apache helicopters, making its grand entry as the National Anthem plays. The aircraft fly about 290m above ground – a higher altitude than in previous years – so that the flag is visible to more spectators through National Stadium opening.
The Guard of Honour contingents firing three sequential volleys into the air as part of the Feu-de-joie (Fire of Joy), a celebratory rifle salute.
This year’s NDP features the largest participation of persons with disabilities (wearing blue and green) in recent years. The contingent is led by former Paralympian gold medalist Yap Qian Yin (first row, second from left).
For the first time in NDP history, the civilian contingents enter and exit (next photo) through spectator aisles across the National Stadium, bringing the parade experience closer to the audience.
Parade Commander Military Expert 6 Caleb Chia Yeow Kiang (front, centre) leading the parade march-off.
Can’t wait for the Show segment to start: The audience are all smiles!
Chapter 2 of the Show features a vibrant procession of 18 thematically designed floats, visually embodying six foundational values: Protect, Provide, Create, Build, Care, and Justice.
This year’s NDP mascots – performed by a team of Full-time National Servicemen – have gone viral for their energy and trendy dance moves! Which one is your favourite?
Orang Laut singer Asnida Daud delivers a powerful opening piece which pays tribute to the coastal natives of Singapore, in Chapter 3 of the Show.
A seafaring spectacle lights up the stage as trading ships and two giant inflatable dugongs move around the Stadium.
Performers carrying the larger-than-life puppets of maritime animals.
Don’t play play: Gurmit Singh reprises his iconic role as Phua Chu Kang in a tribute to Singapore’s broadcasting history in Chapter 4.
Chapter 5 switches into high gear (literally) as singer Jasmine Sokko (centre) descends onto stage from 30m in the air, together with two aerialists, while performing her electro-pop NDP single, “You’ll Be Okay”.
Her performance is augmented by 300 drones flying in sync with the music and the aerialists’ movements.
The chapter concludes with an inspiring ballad, “March On With Me”, by singer-songwriter Sky Shen, who has muscular dystrophy. He is accompanied by six vocalists from the Music and Drama Company and dancers from various schools.
Chapter 6 opens with a stirring performance of “Giants” by Iman Fandi and the 61-member The People’s Choir.
Singers Gareth Fernadez (centre, with microphone) and Dru Chen (in blue) join up with The People’s Choir to perform their NDP single, “Sparkle”.
Majulah Moment: Audience members reciting the Singapore Pledge and singing the National Anthem.
The closing celebrations start as performers and audience members alike participate in a medley of National Day Songs after the Majulah Moment.
Stand up for Singapore: The Singapore “flag” lights up the stadium roof during the finale.
Every NDP performer gathers and joins in the celebration as fireworks fire off outside the National Stadium.
Ending with a bang: A dazzling fireworks display caps off the night’s celebrations!
Tags:
NDP 2026 NDP National Day National Stadium
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