Largest community collaboration featuring five district floats co-created by 5,000 residents in the parade’s 54-year history

Image credit: Chingay

Chingay Parade 2026, organised by the People’s Association (PA) will return on 27 and 28 February 2026 with the theme “Wish”. The 54th edition will be a display of Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage, blending tradition with modern creativity. As the People’s Parade, it will showcase how the collective aspirations of more than 3,000 performers can be realised into a national-level extravaganza and call on the 20,000-strong audience to make their wishes with Chingay.

Grand district-level floats and circular parade layout to delight audiences

Building on the success of community mini floats introduced in 2022, Chingay Parade 2026 will feature five magnificent floats – the largest community collaboration in the parade’s history with 5,000 residents from the five districts – Central Singapore, North East, North West, South East and South West. From past years’ mini floats of about 3 metres in length to the current full-scale floats measuring 7 metres in length, that are planned to be powered by electric motors, this year’s district-level floats will be co-created by local artists and residents, culminating in a grand spectacle.

For the first time in Chingay Parade’s history, audiences will be seated in a ring-shaped arena surrounding a circular multi-tier stage, creating an unprecedented 360-degree immersive experience that transforms traditional spectators into active participants of the Chingay celebration. The unique design amplifies the visual impact and excitement that spectators will experience and symbolise inclusivity and unity, drawing the audience into the shared celebration of Chingay 2026.

Chingay Parade 2026 to glow with creative expressions

Image credit: Chingay

Jimmy Toh, Chief Executive Director, PA said, “For more than five decades, Chingay Parade has been a celebration of Singapore’s multiculturalism – a co-creation made possible by PA’s partnership with communities and individuals from all walks of life. The 2026 edition will spotlight how the wishes of Singaporeans, like sparks, can be ignited into a dazzling spectacle appreciated by audiences in our nation and beyond.”

Embodying the “Wish” theme, illumination will feature prominently throughout the 90-minute spectacle with a dazzling interplay of visual spectacles, where the boundless creativity of participating groups transforms light into vivid expressions of their deepest wishes, dreams, and soaring aspirations. Their glow symbolises warmth and depth, weaving individual wishes into a shared tapestry of energy that reflects the unity and optimism at the heart of Chingay 2026.

The evening extravaganza will unfold across eight acts, four of which will be inspired by local ethnic festivals – Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali and Hari Raya. Each act highlights the common values and joyous spirit that unite racial communities during festivities. Drums and flutes will also be a shared element across these segments, with the flutists and drummers coming together as ensembles in subsequent segments that place a spotlight on community talents and ASEAN nations.

A stage for established artists and budding talents to shine

Amongst the featured flutists is Dr Ghanavenothan Retnam, 63, a distinguished musician honoured with the Cultural Medallion in 2024 for his contributions to Indian classical music. Using two bamboo flutes at Chingay Parade 2026, Dr. Ghanavenothan will present a vibrant solo piece that blends classical Indian traditions with contemporary flair and joyful energy. Then in a collaborative piece with another three talented flutists, Dr. Ghanavenothan will represent the Indian musical element, adding cultural depth to the multi-ethnic ensemble.

Orchestrating the parade’s musical journey is award-winning songwriter and producer Hubert Ng, 33, who has made in-roads into the C-pop, J-pop, and K-pop industries, and clinched the Billboard Japan Hot Albums #1 ranking in 2024. Chingay Parade 2026 would be Hubert’s debut as a music director for a large-scale live performance. His experience thus far has been enriching, as he mastered how to align tunes with the steps of performers, and was initiated into the diverse soundscape of the parade.

Among songs composed for the parade, one will be performed by violin prodigy Travis Wong. He will present a dynamic, contemporary rendition of the folk song ‘Singapura, Sunny Island’, while dancers take centre stage to represent Singapore in an act featuring ASEAN nations. Though only 10 years old, Travis is already closely watched in the international arena, having won the overall title at the Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in May 2024. This will be his second time participating in Chingay Parade and this piece will push his technical mastery and showcase a range of advanced playing techniques.

Another budding talent who will shine at the parade will be Nur Aqilah Binte Arman, a graduate of Temasek Polytechnic’s Apparel Design and Merchandising programme. She is amongst six aspiring fashion designers that were selected following PA’s open call for designers to submit their costume concepts. For the parade, the 20-year-old conceptualised the costume for Diya, a key character representing Singapore’s Indian community. Inspired by the elegance of the saree and the meaning carried by specific symbols such as peacock feathers, Aqilah crafted a striking piece that represents the illumination of the mind and spirit.

An inclusive parade for all Singaporeans

As the People’s Parade, Chingay Parade emphasises the spirit of unity and deep community involvement, by gathering individuals of all ages and backgrounds, across cultures. Reinforcing this commitment, PA will once again spread festive cheer, warmth and care by hosting vulnerable and less privileged individuals, and their caregivers, through Chair for a Cause @ Chingay.

Chingay Parade 2026 tickets available from 10 December

Tickets for Chingay 2026 will be available for purchase from 10 December 2025 onwards on SISTIC. Singapore citizens may use their SG Culture Pass credits to offset ticket purchase.

PAssion members will be eligible for an early bird promotion of 30% for ticket purchases made from 10 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. After the early-bird promotion ends, members will continue to enjoy 20% discount off ticket prices.

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