First Look At NDP 2024, Plus This Year's Theme Song

In just 78 days, Singapore will be celebrating its 59th birthday!  

This year’s National Day theme is “Together, As One United People”. According to Brigadier-General Wilson Low, Chairman of the National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 Executive Committee, the theme “calls upon Singaporeans from all walks of life to come together, to express their love for Singapore, to celebrate the progress of our nation, and to show care and concern for those around them".

Brigadier-General Wilson Low, Chairman of the NDP 2024 Executive Committee. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

At an NDP 2024 briefing on 23 May, BG Low revealed some "firsts" to the media, which Singaporeans will get to experience at both the Padang and Promontory @ Marina Bay:

Onward March

For the first time, the inaugural Onward March at the Padang will see contingents march right onto the spectator stand. You will be able to feel the parade's energy as we celebrate Singapore’s birthday together.

360-Degree Experience

You can also look forward to a fireworks show like never before. This immersive 360-degree spectacle will see fireworks being launched from the Marina Bay area, the Padang, and the neighbouring Adelphi building. The Padang will be fitted with an asymmetrical stage, extended LED screens, and each attendee will wear a wrist-worn LED, so you will really feel like you are a part of the show.

Total Defence 40 Dynamic Defence Display

In another first, our nation's six pillars of Total Defence will spring into action as part of the campaign’s 40th year. This multi-domain display across both the Padang and Marina Bay will showcase Singapore’s response to threats from air, land and sea, as well as civil emergencies and disruptions.

Don't worry - crowd favourites like The Red Lions, State Flag Flypast, Salute to the Nation, Presidential Gun Salute, Mass Performances, and Sing-along will all return this NDP.

"Not Alone" - NDP 2024 theme song

Local singer-songwriter Benjamin Kheng is the composer and performer of this year's NDP theme song. | IMAGE: SIM DING EN

This year’s theme song, "Not Alone," performed by Benjamin Kheng, will tug at your heartstrings. With a nod to past NDP songs, it evokes nostalgia and patriotic vibes. Check out the MV above, which highlights our strong bonds, depicting Singaporeans working, playing, learning, and living together.

"I was really drawn to the idea of our Singapore River, and how, for generations, it has fed all kinds of Singaporeans, young and old, rich and poor, no matter our colour, culture, creed. And we all come to the river to feast and commune, like a watering hole. That was really the inspiration for the song," says the 33-year-old Singaporean artist, writer and director, who has chalked up a whopping 95 million streams on Spotify.

NDP right in your neighbourhood

The fun doesn't stop after NDP - on 10 Aug, there will be Heartland Celebrations at five sites across the island, namely, the Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast, and Southwest districts. Expect static displays from the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force, and Singapore Civil Defence Force, plus family activities, carnival games, stage performances, and of course, fireworks!

More info can be found on the NDP website and its related social media platforms very soon. 

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