SINGAPORE - Next month's Chingay will feature the highest number of international performers in the parade's 43-year history.

A total of 19 cultural troupes from 15 countries and regions will take part in the annual street procession, themed "We love SG" to mark Singapore's 50th birthday this year.

"What's a birthday without celebrations with friends?" said Mr Ang Hak Seng, chief executive of parade organiser the People's Association. "We're happy that 1,000 international friends are joining us this year, up from 500 last year."

First-time performers at the Chinese New Year event include a warrior dance troupe from Rwanda and 40 youths from the Stamford American International School, who will perform a song and dance routine.

Troupes from Turkey and Thailand have specially choreographed dances for the parade, while Chinese cities Suzhou and Tianjin will each put up 18m-long floats representing their cities - two of at least 15 floats that will be on display.

The parade will be broadcast on television in 26 countries, and is expected to reach 35 million viewers across Asia.

The main show will be held at the F1 Pit Building on Feb 27 and 28.

There will also be a street carnival in Orchard Road in the first three days of March.

The parade will take place over a month, going to different places in the heartland until March 28.