It’s August, and you know what that means — National Day is almost upon us. Every year around National Day, I’m always reminded of the year I took part in the parade segment of the NDP ceremony.
We all know how hard it is to score some NDP tickets to watch the parade live in action. But, for all of us who were not lucky enough to score tickets to the live shows, Singapore Discovery Centre has got your back!
Taking place from now until 11 August 2024, the One United People special national day event by Defence Collective Singapore will have a series of NDP-themed activities for you to show that Singapore is home, truly.
This special event is hosted by Defence Collective Singapore and much like the actual National Day parade, they will also be bringing their activities into the heartlands!
You’ll definitely wanna check out the exhibitions in the heartlands from 10 August 2024 as there’ll be exclusive merch to be redeemed including a special “chope” tissue packet that will certainly come in really handy, as well as cute stickers, tote bags and more! More details can be found here.
Kicking things off, let’s all take a little trip around Singapore town and embark on a little self-guided tour to learn even more about our country’s deep history through interactive exhibits.
There are a total of four trails, each taking place at the Singapore Discovery Centre, Airforce Museum, Singapore Navy Museum and at several National Day Heartland celebrations.
At the end of each trail, you’ll get to redeem a special National Day commemorative magnet. Each magnet sports a different design that is unique to each location. Trust me, these magnets are so cute, you’ll definitely wanna collect ‘em all!
Do you know all the words to our National pledge? Prove it at Singapore Discovery Centre’s interactive photo opportunity. Here, you’ll get to stand tall and proud on the podium and recite the National pledge as you get your pictures taken.
Photo redemptions are available only while stocks last and are limited to one redemption per visitor. In essence, you only have one shot, so you better make it your best shot! Bonus points if you can say all the words smoothly and correctly in one go.
Of course, once you have your pretty photos printed, you’re gonna need a place to put it. Lucky for you, part of Singapore Discovery Centre’s One United People activities also includes a DIY photo frame.
As its name suggests, you’ll need to get a little crafty and creative here. Make your own photo frame and decorate it with all things Singapore!
There’s even special activities for the little ones to enjoy including dramatised interactive story-telling sessions that will uncover the tales of Sang Nila Utama, the legendary swordfish attack, and more.
Even the adults will be tickled by this — I know I was. And there were even stories that I haven’t even heard before! Each session will tell a different tale, so you’ll definitely wanna stick around for those.
Since National Day is all about celebrating Singapore, why not give a shoutout to our local talents too! Enjoy a free screening of the local movie Wonderland — a local production starring Mark Lee, Peter Yu and Xenia Tan.
The movie is entirely in Hokkien (don’t worry, there’s subtitles) and depicts traditional fatherly love, as well as the importance of companionship during one’s silver years. You’ll also see popular landmarks from olden day Singapore like the Wonderland Amusement Park in Kallang — a site that no longer exists today.
This is probably the best movie to watch with your loved ones especially on National Day where we celebrate harmony and togetherness!
Of course, what’s a celebration without some music?
In the spirit of National Day, local performers like yIN Harmony, Ageless Bridge, Dionne Lim Voice Studio, and more will be taking the stage to sing some National Day classics! Make sure to join them at the Play Ground and sing along with them as One United People!
If you think that’s all that will be happening, think again.
Over at the Singapore Navy Museum, you can look forward to letting your creative juices run wild with the DIY button making as well as temporary tattoos and more! There’s also a series of activities taking place over at the Airforce Museum too — now’s your chance to explore these museums and get your hands on some exclusive merch while you’re at it!
While I don’t have any tickets to catch the parade this year, I do think that spending my time at Singapore Discovery Centre is a pretty good alternative. Especially considering that these activities are all free and you still get to show your love for the country.
Plus, you don’t have to wrestle with the insane crowds at the padang — I think it’s a double win for me!
The special line-up of activities for One United People will be taking place until 11 August 2024, so make sure you head down ASAP!
What is your favourite memory of National Day?
One United People
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📍 510 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore Discovery Centre, Singapore 638365
🕜 11am–6pm
🗓️ From now till 11 Aug 2024
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This post is brought to you by Defence Collective Singapore.
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