SINGAPORE – Fireworks lit up the night sky and the National Anthem blared loudly as thousands gathered at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on Saturday evening (Aug 6) to kick off the country’s 57th birthday celebrations a few days early. .
The carnival atmosphere was palpable, with residents young and old enjoying the day out, taking part in activities such as arts and crafts workshops and ring toss games.
About 20,000 people showed up for the ticketed event in the park, which started at 4pm and ended at 9pm.
In addition to the ever-popular fireworks display, they were also treated to a variety of stage shows – from a magic show to popular tunes sung by getai veteran Liu Ling Ling – and static vehicle displays from the Singapore Armed Forces and Team of the House.
The celebration was in stark contrast to a year ago when stricter Covid-19 measures saw the National Day Parade postponed by nearly two weeks, community fireworks displays canceled and some events moved online.
“My wish is that we don’t have a recurrence of Covid-19 and live virtual life again,” said cyber security engineer Chakir Hamid, 44, who was at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park with family and friends.
The carnival on Saturday, along with three others in Punggol, Sembawang and Buona Vista, marked the first time since the pandemic that large-scale National Day celebrations were back in the heartland.
It was organized by the People’s Association and there will be a similar carnival in Geylang Serai on Sunday.
Also on Saturday, the first National Day concert held at Gardens by the Bay in two years drew close to 10,000 people.
President Halimah Yacob was the guest of honor at the event organized by Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp and featured performances by Taufik Batisah, Dick Lee, Benjamin Kheng and Annette Lee.
