A DYNAMIC TIME FOR ALL AT THE CARNIVAL

Take a ride on the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Light Strike Vehicle (LSV), learn how to put out a fire, and be thrilled by an exciting military show highlighting the SAF's joint-warfighting capabilities.

These are just some of the activities in store for visitors to the Total Defence Showcase at the nine-day Carnival@Marina. To be held at Marina South from 6 to 14 Aug, the carnival is an extended celebration for this year's National Day.

Thematic rides will give visitors an opportunity to travel in SAF vehicles the Bronco and Bionix. Visitors can also hop on a Fast Craft Utility that will take them out to sea for a ride.

Families may also want to try to do 'battle' with other families at the 'Urban Fighting' display, part of the Interactive Village segment. Here, groups of four will be geared up in military attire and issued a SAR 21 assault rifle for 'battle' with another group of four to capture an objective.

With over 50 vehicles and equipment from the SAF and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on display, visitors can also learn more about the operational capabilities of these two agencies and how they form two of the five pillars - Military Defence and Civil Defence - of Total Defence.

Expected crowd favourites here are the twin-barrel 35mm Anti-Aircraft Oerlikon gun and the SCDF fire engine with a ladder that can extend up to 16 storeys high. Visitors have a chance to get onto these two vehicles and experience their capabilities at first-hand.

And make sure you do not miss the dynamic tri-service military show, which will feature the latest equipment and capabilities of the SAF and the Home Team. These include the mighty Primus, a 155mm Self-Propelled Howizter, as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Chairman of the carnival, Colonel (COL) Yeo See Peng, said: "We hope that visitors will soak in the celebratory mood, and have a fun-filled and positive experience."

"We want everyone to enjoy themselves and celebrate Singapore's birthday!"

In addition to the Total Defence Showcase, there is also the Celebrate Singapore Festival, organised by the Singapore Tourism Board, which will incorporate the Singapore Fireworks Festival 2005.

Carnival@Marina is open from 10am to 11pm daily with the Total Defence Showcase operating from 10am to 7pm and the Celebrate Singapore Festival from 10am to 11pm.

Visit www.ndp.org.sg and www.visitsingapore.com/celebratesingapore for more information.

Getting there:
MRT to Marina South station.
Bus No. 400 and 400A.
River taxi from Clifford Pier ($4 a ride)
Private vehicles will be not allowed into the area.