SINGAPORE - The Istana grounds will be open to the public from 8.30am to 6pm this Saturday (July 30) in celebration of National Day, the President's Office has announced.

This Istana Open House will incorporate the annual Istana Art Event, with the main highlight being an Arts & Heritage Village.

The village will feature performances by concert bands from Bendemeer Primary School, Queenstown Secondary School, and Saint Andrew's Junior College, as well as the Singapore Armed Forces' Music and Drama Company.

There will also be game stalls run by Raffles Girls School students and other activities such as an on-the-spot art competition for young children.

The public can also sign up for the Nature Guided Walk, which showcases the Istana's flora and fauna, or take a guided tour of the Istana's main building where they can view selected function rooms and a display of gifts presented to the President and Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries.

A self-guided tour with the help of the Istana Garden Walk mobile app is also available.

Singaporeans and permanent residents get free entry to the grounds, while all other visitors must each pay a $2 entrance free.

Additional fees will be charged for guided tours.

The Istana grounds were last open to the public earlier this month to mark Hari Raya Puasa.