5 Fantastic Ways to Celebrate National Day 2020
This year’s National Day will be celebrated differently from the past. While 2020 has been a challenging year for Singapore, this should not stop Singaporeans from celebrating our nation’s birthday. We’re also, in a way, celebrating our resilience and tenacity as a nation during these trying times. Below are 5 interesting ways to celebrate National Day 2020!
1. National Day Parade 2020
No National Day is complete without National Day Parade (NDP)! This year's NDP will be featuring many firsts to bring celebrations to every home on the 9 August instead of in a central location. There will still be a parade at The Padang, together with the presidential gun salute and maritime sail past. Many familiar favourites, such as the roar of unity and mobile column will be travelling through the heartlands as well! However, what’s really special about this year’s celebration is that state flag flypast will be happening across different heartland locations, and the six F-15SGs will also be flying around the island in formation, the first time in NDP history! Oh yes, red lions will be making its appearance in the heartlands (Jurong East and Sengkang) for the very first time too, all happening in the morning!
Besides catching those spectacular familiar favourites, there is a series of home engagement activities lined up to encourage audience participation throughout the day too. Not to forget, there will also be an intimate evening NDP2020 Show at The Star Performing Arts Centre, pledge moment (We, the citizens of Singapore!) as well as the light-up moment (yes, shine your torchlights from your windows!) and heartland fireworks across 10 different locations for all to enjoy at night. Remember to catch these stunning features either in person or through live broadcasts on Mediacorp free-to-air TV channels and the NDPeeps YouTube channel. Find out more here.
2. Stay-at-Home, celebrate National Day in style
Staying in can be as fun with several things to do indoors to celebrate National Day. In fact, now's the best chance to engage in family bonding time! Gather your loved ones and have a mini cosy gathering with delicious and sumptuous food. Indulge in desserts that are inspired by local flavours! (Durian lovers, raise your hand!) To join in the festive mood, we have decided to throw in some fun on our ATD TO GO, same day pick up and delivery store too! Remember to include a few fun games to add more life into your National Day celebration. How about a game of Monopoly - Singapore version?! I grew up playing this game with my family and have very special memories.
3. Go on a National Heritage Trail
Take your pick and go on a self-guided heritage trail and experience yourself the untold stories behind the streets of Singapore! Savour the bustling cultural and architectural richness of the Kampong Glam (we love having a cup of good sarbat tea at Bhai Sarbat!), enjoy the outdoors on the Bukit Timah trail that features a former railway station, travel back in time with Singapore's Colonial history walking trail at Fort Canning Park and the World War 2 trail, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Chinatown and Little India trails.
4. Go hiking in Singapore
What are you waiting for? Put on your hiking shoes and go on foot to explore some breathtaking hiking trails around Singapore! This small island not only consists of a Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade and other attractive looking manmade structures, it also offers scenic views that will make you forget that you are exercising. We highly recommended Windsor Nature Park as well as Kranji Marshes and The Learning Forest but before embarking on any of the trails, it's best to put on some sunscreen, have mosquito repellent ready and mask on!
5. Singapore Together Pack
Last but not least, fun pack! Or rather, “together pack” this year to signify how we are overcoming challenges and forging ahead towards a stronger Singapore! You can start collecting your NDP2020 together pack at community centres or clubs and residents' committee centres starting from 20th July onwards. The together pack include items such as thermometer, both reusable and non-reusable face masks, hand sanitizer and other necessities. In order to redeem it, please show your identification card and each household is entitled to only one pack. In the event, you do not need the together pack, #TeamDelicious strongly encourage you to collect the pack and give it to those who need it more.
Nonetheless, if you feel unwell, please do your part and be socially responsible. Minimise social contact and stay at home. And with that, we would like to wish all Singaporeans and everyone else in Singapore, a very Happy National Day!
