Collections and Research

The National Day Parade Through The Years, 1966-2012

1 August 2016

Grace Ho 3 years ago 2 min. read

We look at how the National Day parade evolved over the years through the archives of our the Ministry of Communication and Information’s Photography Unit. This selection of images was curated by Ms Janelle Chua, our Outreach manager !

Black and white street scene with a large crowd lining a busy road past brick buildings with Chinese signage.

1966

Spectators along Upper Pickering Street as parade contingents marched past at Singapore’s first national day celebrations as an independent republic.

Black and white photo of a uniformed military parade marching down a street lined with crowds and shophouses.

1966

The Guard of Honour contingent marching down South Bridge Road.

1966

Before Singaporeans could watch the National Day parade on television, most people would wait around strategic locations to catch a glimpse of the celebrations.

1967

The police mobile squad practicing for their performance for the National Day Parade.

1967

Acrobatic and lion dance performance in front of then-City Hall.

1968

The heavy downpour on 9 August did not dampen the spirits of the 25,000 parade participants and the thousands of spectators.

1968

Spectators watching parade from the Singapore Cricket Club, some even using chairs to shelter from rain.

Black and white photo of a large outdoor parade with performers holding decorative hoops and flags on a field.

1969

Mass display performance entitled “Majestic Floral Dance”.

1970

Spectators filled every possible space to view the parade.

1975

Float moving past spectators along Hill Street.

1975

Citizens crowded around as performers dressed in costumes paraded past the Old Hill Street Police Station.

1976

The first National Day Parade in the old National Stadium.

1985

Contingents marching past spectators along Crawford Street and turning to North Bridge Road.

1985

Children lined the street waiting to view the parade.

1990

25 F-16 fighter jets roared above the Padang, forming the number ‘25’ to celebrate Singapore’s 25th year of independence.

1990

Fly-past of Singapore’s National Flag by helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

1990

Our very first sea review for a National Day Parade.

1992

Precision landing by Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team, now fondly known as the Red Lions.

1993

Parade goers, dressed according to the colours of their NDP tickets, joined in the traditional march past of contingents, transforming the Padang into a kaleidoscope of colours.

1994

The first time the 21-gun salute is fired from within the stadium.

2000

The aerial display is always a firm favourite at our National Day Parades.

2002

The delighted crowd at the old National Stadium.

2006

Singapore celebrates its 41st birthday for the last time in the old National Stadium.

2006

Interaction between performers and spectators.

2007

First National Day Parade at the floating platform at Marina Bay.

2007

The fireworks display is always highly anticipated and brings great cheer every year.

2007

Singapore Armed Forces get up close with spectators.

2008

Beyond the National Day Parade, many people participate in celebrations around the island.

2011

Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan was the first female to land the role of Regimental Sergeant Major in the history of NDP.

2011

NDP has evolved over the years – from general mass displays to narratives that tell the stories of Singaporeans.

2012

As the parade draws to a close, performers gather in a kaleidoscope of colours and join in the singing of the national anthem.