Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong (back row, in red) posing for a picture with children and youth at a party yesterday evening for participants and volunteers of this Year's National Day Parade (NDP). The party was held at Universal Studios Singapore. More than 8,000 people were invited to the event in Sentosa, which was organised by the SG50 programme office and the NDP 2015 executive committee.

Mr Wong, who is chairman of the SG50 programme office, and Mr Heng Swee Keat, Education Minister and chairman of the SG50 steering committee, mingled with the crowd. Among those present were performers from schools, participants in the vintage parade segment, and volunteers from the Heartware Network.

The large-scale celebrations would not have been possible without the dedication of participants, said Mr Wong. Mr Heng added that it was heartening to see so many Singaporeans participating in events during the Golden Jubilee weekend. It speaks of "our love for our country and our sense of unity", he said.