5 things to look out for at NDP 2016

SINGAPORE - While there will not be the Red Lions display and mobile column, the National Day Parade (NDP) this year will showcase other crowd favourites as it returns to the National Stadium after a 10-year hiatus.

Last week, Dr Ng Eng Hen revealed in Parliament that this year's parade at the stadium will cost $39.4 million, double than that of previous NDP shows excluding last year's SG50 celebrations. However, the new venue will allow organisers to stage a "different type of show", he said.

During his speech, Dr Ng explained that the Red Lions will not be free-falling and parachuting down the National Stadium because of safety reasons. The mobile column which showcases military vehicles in a convoy will also be absent from the show, he added.

At a press conference today, NDP executive committee chairman Brigadier-General (BG) Kenneth Liow told the media that the show will adopt a "futuristic concept".

He said: "NDP 2016 will be forward-looking, as we celebrate the first of the next 50 years of our Singapore Story."

New elements will be in store for some 275,000 spectators who are expected to watch the parade over five shows.

So what can you expect from this year's parade?

1. This is the NDP 2016 logo.

It was created by 19-year-old Singapore Polytechnic student Chelsea Lim, who took 10 days to work on the design.

The heart in the logo has four shades of red, which represents the diversity of races and religions in Singapore.

2. The theme for this year's parade is Building our Singapore of Tomorrow.

BG Liow said this theme builds on the sacrifices of pioneers and is a call for Singaporeans to create a future together.

3. Look out for "futuristic" 3-D projections, unmanned technologies and performers suspended from the roof of the stadium, which also means that the roof of the stadium will likely be mostly closed.

Hint, so most of your viewing will be focused on the parade grounds and through large screens within the stadium. In this case, securing good seats will be important.

4. No change: Traditional segments such as the parade ceremony, military tattoo display, the state flag fly past and the fighter aircraft aerial salute will remain.

5. There will still both outdoor and indoor fireworks - now, that's a first!

stephluo@sph.com.sg

(Photo credit: The Straits Times, GIF credit: GIPHY)