From a stirring Pledge led by the President to Kit Chan’s Home ringing out across the Meadow, this year’s concert celebrates the ties that bind us – as friends, families, and a nation.
Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp National Day Concert. Image credit: Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp
What does 60 years of Singapore sound like? On 3 August, at the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert (NDC), it’s the roar of the pledge and singalongs rolling across The Meadow. It’s families, friends, classmates and communities gathering in the crowd – and on stage with multigenerational and multicultural mashups – while laughter drifts from carnival booths and fireworks light up the night. Themed “Ties That Bloom”, this SG60 edition of NDC celebrates the bonds that have brought us here, and which will continue to take us forward. Admission is free.
A nation at 60: shared voices, shared spirit
Hosted by popular personalities Gurmit Singh, Nithiya Rao, Yasminne Cheng and Zhin Sadali, and featuring popular stars, this seventh edition of NDC is packed with heartfelt moments that spotlight the ties among us.
This sense of unity carries straight into a mass singalong when vocal powerhouse Kit Chan 陈洁仪 delivers her timeless National Day Parade (NDP) anthem Home, accompanied by live sign language interpretation from Deaf interpreter Faaiqah Alkaff in a powerful moment of inclusivity. But it is not just beloved classics – new anthems take root too, as Kit is joined by singer-songwriter Charlie Lim for a performance of this year’s NDP song, Here We Are. From there, the evening unfurls with intergenerational, inclusive and camaraderie-driven performances that keep the ties blooming.
Guest-of-Honour President Tharman said: “This concert reflects what Singapore is about – people of all backgrounds coming together, each with something to give, something to learn, and each being uplifted. As we mark 60 years of independence, it’s a reminder of how we grow stronger as a nation as we respect every contribution, blend our talents, and keep renewing the bonds that make this home.”
Mr Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman of Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp, said: “As Singapore marks its 60th birthday, this year’s NDC celebrates the bonds we’ve built as a nation and as families, friends and communities. Every pledge, song and cheer will thread our stories into one voice, highlighting the ties that continue to bloom among us, while reaffirming Gardens by the Bay as an inclusive gathering ground and Mediacorp as a champion of homegrown talents and stories. We warmly invite everyone to join us at The Meadow to celebrate this milestone together, and see our ties bloom anew.”
Blooming ties of nationhood, community, family and friendship – brought to life by homegrown talent
As the concert unfolds, community ties continue to bloom as Taufik Batisah lifts the tempo with a medley that threads Di Tanjong Katong, Chan Mali Chan and other NDP favourites, joined by 10-year-old multi-instrumentalist Lyla Ng 黄姿宁 in a tribute to Singapore’s multicultural heartbeat. Next up, Mediacorp LOVE 972 DJ Chua Lee Lian 蔡礼莲 keeps the nostalgia going with Friendship Forever (细水长流); jazz songbird Alemay Fernandez delivers a heartfelt rendition of One People, One Nation, One Singapore, and Meenakshy Bhaskar leads young talents in a spirited performance of the folk classic Munnaeru Vaalibaa.
Family and friendship ties then command the spotlight. Mediacorp artiste JJ Neo 梁嘉靖 and her mother Lucy Chow 周如珠 will share the stage, surrounded by differently-abled dancers whose steps trace the journey of parenthood. The torch is passed again when Cultural Medallion recipient Rahimah Rahim performs with her sister Rozie Rahim and granddaughter ALY, putting their shared passions and talent on full display. Sibling acts follow: Tay Kewei 郑可为 and Tay Kexin 郑可心 will perform together for the first time ever, inviting audiences to feel the warmth of family and revisit shared memories of youth. Romance also enters the frame with an upbeat performance by real-life celebrity couple Annetha Ayyavoo and Mark Sara; and friendship brings the segment full circle as shazza reunites with NP Voices, her a cappella group from Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
From these celebrations of family, friendship, and romance, the spirit of spotlight turns to inclusivity and unity – values that define SG60. The Purple Symphony (TPS) – Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra of musicians with and without disabilities – will bring audiences a heartfelt medley of familiar local tunes, blending Eastern and Western instruments in a moving tribute to Singapore’s 60th birthday.
But wait, there’s more! As NDC continues to spotlight the breadth of local talent, audiences can also expect the first-ever live performance of this year’s NDC song, Ties That Bloom by Hady Mirza, now available on melisten. Backdropped against multicultural dancers, the performance is set to be a melting pot of sound and movement, alive with energy and rhythm. From there, Yung Raja keeps the beat going with Miss Call, his latest single brimming with fresh flair. In these performances, the next generation takes the stage – on their own terms, and in their own voice.
A highlight sees Guest-of-Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ms Jane Ittogi leading a mass recitation of the National Pledge, affirming our six decades of shared aspirations and progress. This is followed by the singing of the national anthem, reflecting the collective spirit of a nation at 60.
Pre-concert festivities: Step into a journey of Taste, Time and Togetherness
From 4.30pm, the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert will kickstart the celebrations with vibrant pre-concert festivities, allowing concertgoers to savour iconic local flavours, relive joyful memories of yesteryears and rekindle Singapore’s “kampong” spirit across generations.
At the Taste zone, visitors can indulge in a uniquely Singapore culinary journey, featuring iconic dishes as crowned by the public through the Makan Culture Campaign. From popiah to laksa, this vibrant food street becomes a one-stop destination for Singapore’s most beloved flavours. Meanwhile, the Play booths take visitors back in time to simpler joys with classic childhood games. Friends and families can challenge each other to oversized eraser battles and Pick-Up Sticks, test their skills with goli, and try their luck at nostalgic Tikam Tikam booths.
Finally, the Create section encourages creativity and connection. Visitors can pen heartfelt wishes for the nation on giant Tingkat installations located at each gate, capture treasured memories at family-friendly art displays and enjoy craft activities – including Neonwire Crafting and Satay Keychain workshops – that bridge generations through shared fun.
For those seeking a special keepsake, exclusive T-shirts from Mediacorp’s inaugural Design Pompipi Competition will be available via blind boxes at $10 each. Featuring the six winning designs from the Kids Category, each shirt captures youthful visions of what Singapore means to them. All proceeds from sales will support Gardens by the Bay’s community outreach initiative Gift of Gardens, which provides Singapore residents who may not have the resources to visit or are individuals with disabilities, free access to the conservatories.
The event is organised with the support of community partners SAFRA and People’s Association, which will also be providing opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks of life to enjoy the celebrations.
📅 3 Aug 2025
🕙 From 4.30pm for fringe activities
🕙 7.30pm – 9pm for the concert
📍 The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay
🏷 Admission is free
For more information, please visit here.
🎉🇸🇬 SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY 2025 – SG60 🇸🇬🎉
Singapore turns 60 this year, and it’s time to celebrate in style! From family-friendly activities to special SG60 events happening across the island, there’s something for everyone this National Day weekend. So, dress in red and white, gather your loved ones, and soak in the festive spirit!
Don’t miss out on these SG60 promotions specially curated for the occasion.
🎆 Didn’t manage to score NDP tickets at the Padang? No worries! You can still catch the action, rehearsals, and fireworks at various locations around Singapore. Check out the best viewing spots, dates, and timings here:
👉 National Day Rehearsal Dates & Where to Catch NDP Fireworks
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