SINGAPORE - Members of the public had an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the National Day Parade, with the special National Day edition of Hangout with ST on Thursday evening (Aug 9).

This edition of the video series by The Straits Times was broadcast live from the Marina Bay floating platform. It featured five groups of people involved in the parade: the Naval Diving Unit, performers, mascots, a pilot and air traffic controller involved in the aerial fly-past, and workers who prepared the firework shows.

Live interviews and scenes from the parade preparations were also showcased, in addition to interactions with the audience.

The show took place from 5pm to 5.45pm and was streamed live on ST's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The series is helmed by multimedia journalists Alyssa Woo, 27, and Hairianto Diman, 30.

While the usual Thursday sessions take place in a studio in the ST newsroom, both Ms Woo and Mr Hairianto reported live from the Marina Bay floating platform this time.

They were joined by two roving journalists, Mr Basil Edward Teo, 29, and Mr Jose Hong, 27.

Mr Teo reported from the F1 Pit Building, where he captured the scenes of the performers getting ready, while Mr Hong interacted with members of the audience seated at the floating platform.

The third part of the show featured two live interviews, conducted by Ms Woo and Mr Hairianto.

A Singapore Armed Forces lieutenant-colonel involved in the logistics of the NDP talked about the planning of the event, such as the manpower required.

In addition, a motivator from charity organisation Touch showed her funpack and the items inside it.