[1] Singapore initially had a different date for National Day prior to 9 August, when it commemorated 3 June after achieving full internal self-governance from the United Kingdom in 1959.

Between 1960 and 1962, Singapore celebrated National Day on 3 June to mark this occasion and the end of colonial rule.

In each year's recorded message, the Prime Minister of Singapore "examine[s] domestic and global developments, review[s] economic performance and outlook, and outline[s] national priorities and government plans as [he inspires] Singaporeans to move forward with a unified sense of purpose".

They feature several local and foreign teams which launch fireworks displays on different nights.

First held in 2004 at Marina Bay, the event was initially known as the Singapore Fireworks Festival and organised by Unusual Productions.