[14] During the 1960s, Padang Besar served as the hub of Brunei Town's public life, drawing people of all ages for state functions, football games, and national festivities, such as the birthday of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.

Families were able to take part in the festivities together with traditional puppet performances presented by the Department of Information, while local youth, students, and guest artists provided entertainment in the evenings.

[15] The 10 metres (33 ft)-tall Cendera Lambang Kenangan was built especially for the silver jubilee celebration of Brunei Town's renaming as Bandar Seri Begawan.

In commemoration of this milestone, Besar Sagap composed a song named "Ibu Kota Nan Indah" with lyrics by Abdul Wahab Mohamed.

[23] Along with the rhythmic beats of hadrah drums and 21-gun salute,[24] the phrases "ALLAHU AKBAR" and "MERDEKA NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 1984," printed in both Jawi and Roman letters, lighted up the park.

The First and Second Battalions of the Royal Brunei Land Force received the Units' Colours from the Sultan during the same ceremony, which took place in Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, commemorating the event with military honour and custom.