National Day Celebrations at The Padang

The Singapore Cricket Club is a national treasure and a well-known institution, which was established in 1852. The Club stands at the center of the city’s colonial heart, the Padang, a public space that has witnessed many of Singapore’s triumphs and upheavals since its independence and the National Day Parade on 9 August.

National Day Parades since 1966

National Day celebrations with a parade featuring the march-past of military and civilian contingents were held yearly at the Padang from 1966 to 1975 until NDP was decentralised and held at 13 selected centres across Singapore. The NDP was celebrated at the National Stadium for the first time in 1976 and thereafter at the Padang or the National Stadium, with the exception of 1977, 1979 and 1981.

In this issue, we look back at how the Club has enjoyed a front-row seat in commemorating the nation’s celebrations over the years as Singapore marks its 53rd year of independence.

1945 Some of the spectators at the victory celebration after the war at the Singapore Cricket Club, Padang (10.10.1945).

Photo Credit: David Ng Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

1966 Lion dance performance on the field, with spectators watching from the Singapore Cricket Club in the background.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

1967 President Yusof Ishak inspecting the parade in a Land Rover as spectators watched from the Singapore Cricket Club.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

1968 Spectators watching the parade from the terrace of the Singapore Cricket Club, some using chairs and umbrellas to shelter from rain.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore

1969 National Day Parade Rehearsal at the Padang: People’s Association and Singapore Police Force bands playing on field, with the Singapore Cricket Club in the background.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore 1968 Cadet Corps contingent marching past the Singapore Cricket Club, along Connaught Drive.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore