Youth, unity and fireworks: NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations light up the bay

NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations kicked off its first preview show on 26 July 2025 at The Promontory@Marina Bay!

The atmosphere was electric, with music pulsing through the crowd and the city skyline glowing in the background.

Young people turned up in full force—some decked out in red and white, others waving light sticks and snapping selfies with their friends.

Laughter, cheers and the occasional "Majulah Singapura!" filled the air as everyone settled in for a night of performances, fireworks, and unity.

We caught up with a few volunteers and attendees to hear what brought them down to the Bay and what this celebration means to them.

A more harmonious future

Erica and Gabriel, 17.

This was Erica’s and Gabriel’s first NDP Bay Celebrations together.

Erica mentioned that she first discovered the event through TikTok, and that was when they decided to try their luck balloting for a pair of tickets.

When asked for their hopes for the country 60 years from now, both simply wished for a more united Singapore.

“Honestly, I just hope that Singapore continues to be the harmonious country that it is, and that we’ll continue to be economically stable,” said Erica.

Gabriel added: “I hope that Singapore can be more prosperous than it is today, and an even safer country!”

Education and success

Aarav, 13, (right) and his mother.

For Aarav, he hopes that the future remains bright for the youth of tomorrow, and that our education system continues to be robust.

“I hope that [Singapore] becomes full of many successful young people!” he shared.

Aarav had previously attended the National Day celebrations at the Padang when he was in Primary 5, but never before at The Promontory.

Besides wanting to check out the year’s performances, he was simply looking forward to spending the day with his mother.

One party, many dreams

23-year-old besties from secondary school Janelle, Jeslyn, Yu Wen and Ee Ing.

You may be able to spot secondary school friends Janelle, Jeslyn, Yu Wen and Ee Ing at the second preview show or at the actual National Day celebrations by the Bay!

They all came together and were fortunate enough to secure the NTUC NDP Bay Celebrations tickets for different days.

As for their hopes for Singapore, they all had slightly different hopes for our country’s future.

Ee Ing dreams of the nation charging ahead with the same momentum it’s had over the past 60 years.

Yu Wen hopes our vibrant multicultural fabric stays strong, while Jeslyn simply wants the peace we enjoy today to last.

For Janelle, it’s all about seeing Singapore thrive in prosperity for generations to come.

But they all had one commonality.

“[We] hope that we can have more events like this!” they echoed.

Where art takes centre stage

Youth volunteer, Graham, 17.

Graham, who is currently studying for his diploma, became a volunteer for the Bay Celebrations as he was curious about what goes on behind the scenes during National Day.

“And I just wanted a new experience”, he shared.

As for his hopes for Singapore 60 years from now, he echoed a familiar tone of Singapore’s growth continuing in its upward trajectory.

But after catching a glimpse of the performance on-stage, he added: “And I would also like to see new talents emerge from Singapore!”

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