Singapore - National Day Parade Rehearsals (Jun/Jul 2011)

National Day Rehearsal - Esplanade near Floating Platform (30 Jul 11)

On the final full dress rehearsal on 30 Jul 11, I decided to get as close to the performance area as I can.  The stage was still a bit far off, but I caught most of the off-stage action.  There were no seats and with the nearest train station cordoned off after the fireworks (for crowd control), the crowd had to walk at least 400m to the next nearest train station (Raffles Place or Clarke Quay).  We were thankful it did not rain that night!

National Day Parade Rehearsals - Helix Bridge (16 Jul 11) and Marina Bay Financial Centre (23 Jul 11)

(Top row, 2 pics) From the Helix Bridge, you are closer to the action.  You can hear but not see what happened, as the stage was blocked.  You can see the audience but may not be able to see what the audience saw.

(Bottom row, 3 pics) This is an alternate view of the National Day Parade.  It was just as crowded as other vantage points.  To get here (http://www.mbfc.com.sg/location-map.html), take the MRT (North-South line) to Marina Bay Station.  After you leave the station, just head towards Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.  The fireworks from the top of buildings would be behind you, while the main fireworks would be in front.

National Day Parade Rehearsal - Marina Square Level 3 Food court (9 Jul 11)

(above pic) You will not get good photos from this place due to the glass panels, but you get air-con comfort and cheap food while waiting.  It is an open secret that this food court (located at level 3 of Marina Square shopping mall) offers a breath-taking view of the fireworks. You will not get to hear much of what happened outside though.  To book a window-view table, you need to be there before 5:30pm (or even before 5pm!).  Do patronise the food stalls for the variety of nice and cheap food, as you wait for the memorable fireworks to start (with your party of friends).

National Day Parade Rehearsals - Skypark (18 Jun 11) and Esplanade (25 Jun 11)

The weekly fireworks (every Saturday night, between 7:45pm to 8:10pm) for the National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsals have started.  As the month of July progresses, the fireworks will get more elaborate.  The rehearsals are on the floating platform near Marina Square / Esplanade / Helix bridge / Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

(left column) Pictures taken from Marina Bay Sands Hotel's Skypark on 18 Jun 11; (right column) Pictures taken from Esplanade on 25 Jun 11.  The schedule dates of the NDP rehearsals can be found below:
http://www.ndp.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/traffic-table.jpg

So where were you, if you were in Singapore, during the Saturday evenings of July?