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SINGAPORE : August 9th is down in Singapore's calendar as her National Day, the day it achieved independence 42 years ago.
The occasion is celebrated in style on Thursday evening with a grand parade.
But there are also many other big events lined up to mark the occasion.
For the first time, the National Day Parade is held at Marina Bay at the fringe of the hotel and shopping belt in southern Singapore.
Also a first - performances on the world's largest floating stage specially-made for the occasion.
As the action takes place on stage, a different kind of activity is taking place elsewhere.
Many Singaporeans flocked to retail stores in the area to take advantage of a late-night shopping event held to celebrate the nation's birthday.
One shopper says: "I just bought 2 T-shirts, just for the fun. Because of National Day."
A short walk away at the Esplanade - a concert for and by a special group of performers.
They are from XTOMIC, a volunteer group of the Singapore Association for the Deaf.
And there was more fun outside.
"We're here to watch the Sallys! It's great, everybody should come down. Everybody at home. You should get out here and rock with the Sallys. They're good," says one reveller.
Local band, The Sallys, certainly did not disappoint.
It is all part of a special countdown concert to usher in National Day.
The carnival atmosphere proved to be a perfect occasion for Singaporeans to soak up the celebrations.
For some Singaporeans, there was no place they'd rather be than home during this time.
Christopher Sim says: "This is a great way to spend National Day."
Leanne Sim says: "Simply because I feel that it brings the families together"
Winnie Tan says: "And this year we have got our aunty from Spain, and another aunty from KL, and our cousins from UK - so it's really a great family reunion."
Clifton Tan, the party's host, says: "We normally hold parties especially when we have people from overseas. So we have people from England and from Spain. And especially for me, I feel proud, when people of other nationalities see how we celebrate National Day."
Anna Mallet, born in Singapore and residing in Spain, says: "In Spain, the national day is spent very quietly. As far as I know, other than the United States, no other country celebrates their national day as great as Singapore!"
And no matter who they are and where they come from, the main thought on everyone's minds -
"I love Singapore," says an elderly lady.
And from a group of boys: "Happy Birthday Singapore!" - CNA/ch
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