Glitch in domed roof light-up at NDP under review
Top: The image of the Singapore flag did not appear on the domed roof during Tuesday’s parade. Bottom: The domed roof lit up with the image of the flag during the NDP preview shows. Photos: Ernest Chua
SINGAPORE — The committee behind this year’s National Day Parade is looking into why the domed roof of the National Stadium did not light up with the image of the Singapore flag at the parade’s climax on Tuesday, despite having dazzled alongside the fireworks during the previews.
The roof was designed to double as a giant projector screen on both sides, and had displayed the Singapore flag during the SEA Games opening ceremony in June last year.
But on Tuesday night, the roof remained dark. In response to queries, the NDP 2016 Executive Committee told TODAY: “The Singapore flag was not projected onto the roof of the National Stadium during the Pledge-taking and singing of the National Anthem at the end of the (NDP), and we are in the process of ascertaining the cause.”
It added: “Celebrations still went on smoothly, and the NDP 2016 Executive Committee is heartened by the spirit of Singaporeans both at the National Stadium and at home celebrating our nation’s 51st birthday.”
The parade was held at the National Stadium at the Sports Hub for the first time. Touted as a return to Kallang after 10 years, it had a hefty price tag. It cost S$39.4 million, with the venue cost making up 15 per cent of the total bill, tripling from 4 per cent in previous years.
In comparison, previous parades held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform cost between S$15.7 million and S$17.9 million.
Holding the parade at the 55,000-capacity stadium allowed for twice the number of spectators to be accommodated. In addition, two preview shows were put on this year — one more than usual — allowing for about 275,000 Singaporeans to watch the parade live, after including the crowds for the two National Education shows.
But some popular elements, such as the Red Lions parachutists, were dropped from the festivities due to safety reasons. The audience also watched an indoor fireworks display while an outdoors extravaganza was held over the Kallang Basin.
When contacted about Tuesday’s apparent malfunction, Sports Hub did not comment, saying the NDP Exco would be responding on the matter.
The parade on Tuesday featured six acts and a grand finale that involved some 3,000 performers, including about 150 special-needs volunteers who hand-signed lyrics of National Day songs.
