They included 10,000 Primary 5 pupils from 28 schools and families of parade participants.

They were the first in the country to preview it before the big day on Aug 9.

Last night's NDP rehearsal - part of a National Education programme in schools to develop national cohesion - is the first of three shows for schoolchildren.

By about 5pm, the seating gallery at the Marina Bay Floating Platform was a sea of red and white as spectators warmed up for the show.

Thousands more thronged the Esplanade and One Fullerton waterfront to catch the action.

Spectators watched in awe as 2,612 participants in 28 marching contingents showcased their clockwork drills during the parade and ceremony.

Sending shrieks of excitement through the stands, too, were the the Republic of Singapore Air Force's aerobatics team - the Black Knights - and their six-minute aerial ballet.

'My heart was beating so fast and I was holding my breath with every stunt that they pulled,' said 11-year-old Emylia Natasha, a pupil of Pioneer Primary School.

Fireworks lit up the sky later, a fitting end to the three-hour extravaganza.

jermync@sph.com.sg