National Day Rehearsal Dates and National Day Parade 2024

Jul 13, 2024

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National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 happens on 9 August with rehearsals and previews show happening across June, July and August!

Photo Credits: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/

Dates:

1st Combined Rehearsal: 15 Jun 2024
2nd Combined Rehearsal: 22 Jun 2024
3rd Combined Rehearsal: 29 Jun 2024
1st NE Show: 6 Jul 2024
2nd NE Show: 13 Jul 2024
3rd NE Show: 20 Jul 2024
1st Preview: 27 Jul 2024
2nd Preview: 3 Aug 2024
NDP 2024: 9 Aug 2024

The National Day Parade (NDP) 2024 will be held on 9 August 2024 at the Padang. This year's parade will coincides with the 40th Anniversary of Total Defence!

Families can expect, for the first time, a Total Defence 40 Dynamic Defence Display at the Padang with air-land components from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) working hand-in-hand.

NDP festivities and the TD40 Dynamic Defence Display will also be extended to the Marina Bay area so that more Singaporeans can be involved in the NDP celebrations. There will also be traditional NDP crowd favourites like the Red Lions and aerial flypast.

While the parade is happening at the Padang, we expect the main fireworks will still be happening at Marina Bay. So for families who are keen, we have the NDP rehearsal dates, and firework times will be coming up once we get them!

For more exciting family to-dos, here's our list of National Day events and activities to extend the celebrations beyond the parade grounds!

National Day Parade Dates

Photo from 2021, for illustration purpose only

The following are the dates for rehearsals and NDP2024

NDP Rehearsals: 15, 22, 29 Jun 2024
NE Shows: 6, 13, 20 July 2024
NDP Previews: 27 July and 3 Aug 2024
NDP 2024: 9 Aug 2024

Heartland Celebrations will happen on 10th August at five Heartland Celebration sites with community group performances on stage, static displays of SAF, SCDF and SPF vehicles, viewing of fireworks displays as well as carnival and family activities. NDP packs will also be given to those attending the celebrations. While stocks last!

*Note that fireworks might not be happening on all rehearsal dates.

Fireworks Timing

Photo Credits: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/

Based on NDP 2024 rehearsal #2, below are some key fireworks timings that we have. Do use these are a reference as fireworks timings may change.

7.31 pm - Small Fireworks
7.51 pm - Small Fireworks
8.04 pm - Small Fireworks
8.12 pm - 8.22 pm - Fireworks

Catch the RSAF Island Flypast

Based on NDP 2024 rehearsal #2, we note the following timings for the RSAF Flypast in the Marina Bay area

6.11 pm - Red Lions
6.50 pm - State Flag Flypast + RSAF Flypast at Padang

For those around the island, below are the information about the Fly Our Flag and F-16 Flypast, however, we are not sure if the planes will fly the full route on rehearsal dates.

As part of the Fly Our Flag segment, two CH-47SD/F heavy lift helicopters - each escorted by two AH-64D Apache attack helicopters - will carry the state flag around Singapore from 5.45pm to 6.30pm on Aug 9. There are 2 routes for those eager to catch the flag!

The western route will include locations such as Woodlands, Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Batok, Jurong and West Coast.
The eastern route will comprise areas such as Seletar, Sengkang, Punggol, Pasir Ris, Bedok and East Coast.

Six F-16s will also conduct a flypast from around 6pm to 6.30pm, and can be seen from locations such as Clementi, Jurong West, Choa Chu Kang, Bukit Batok, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, Seletar, Punggol and Bendemeer.

Tips for Catching NDP Rehearsal

Similar as last year, this year's NDP is happening at the Padang, so families who like to catch the parade for free, you can actually make your way to the area outside The Arts House and the Parliament House. This is the junction where the marching contingent as well as mobile column will go past.

The mobile column will also park outside Funan Mall, along North Bridge Road after it's segment at the parade.

*Note that this is based on our observations from NDP2023 and these may change.

Tips For Catching the Fireworks

The fireworks display is a popular event and places to catch the fireworks normally get crowded very early. Below are some tips that we like to share for families who are thinking of heading out to catch the fireworks

Try catching the fireworks on the rehearsals or preview - these are usually less crowded and easier to manage if you are bringing kids.
Get in early and book your spot - the venues get crowded easily, so we suggest heading into the area early and take your spot. It might not always be the best spot, but at least you have a spot.
Less is more - bring as little things as possible. Think baby carrying instead of pram, one bag instead of multiple smaller ones, etc. But definitely don't forget the water, snacks and other essentials for the children.
Think about getting out - don't just consider getting into the venue. The bigger concern is leaving the venue when everyone else is leaving too - public transport will be full and private hire/taxis will be hard to come by. We suggest making your way out just before the main fireworks. This way you can still watch the fireworks and have a head start out!
Take note of road closures - if you are planning to drive, do take note of the road closures. This year's parade should be more lenient since the actual parade is happening at the Padang while the main fireworks are at Marina Bay.
Catch it at home - otherwise, catching the fireworks at home on TV is also a great experience, without the above considerations.

Places To Watch The Fireworks

Best Places to Catch New Year’s Fireworks for Free - Bay East Garden
Photo Credits: Gardens by the Bay

Below is a list of places that you may catch the fireworks. Note that these places do get crowded quickly - especially with photographers and others wanting to catch a glimpse of the parade.