SINGAPORE - The National Day Parade (NDP) this year returned to the National Stadium to much fanfare, and action is also brewing outside the stadium.

Families, couples and friends turned up outside the stadium with cameras and picnic goodies from as early as 3pm, in hopes of nabbing the best seats to catch the fireworks.

Wellness coach Bryan Wong, 29, for instance, managed to "chope" (reserve) a shady spot under a tree for his friends. He had brought along his adopted dogs Cole and Cory for company.

Mr Wong's birthday wish for Singapore? "That we will be more open to dogs, and for more people to adopt pets!" said Mr Wong.

Madam Masayu, 48, who had been camping at the bay with her husband Mr Samsi, 49, and their granddaughter, three, since 4.30pm, said: "We wanted to catch the fireworks and we heard that the view is better from outside (the National Stadium). We are here to celebrate National Day as a family."

Photographers also turned up in droves at the Tanjong Rhu area, which offers spectacular views of the stadium across the bay.

Photographer Billy Ng, who works in the service industry, arrived at 3pm to set up his gear. Said the 32-year-old: "I wanted to get a good shot of the fireworks this year, especially since NDP is back at the National Stadium after 10 years. I think it'll be memorable."