SINGAPORE, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Singapore held a National Day Parade Thursday evening to celebrate its 53rd birthday at its iconic Marina Bay, with performances, fireworks and military stunts.

Tens of thousands of viewers at the Marina Bay Floating Platform were amazed at the shows on the land, in the water and sky. Others who could not get tickets into the venue gathered around the bay to catch a glimpse of the annual gala.

Singaporean President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined the crowd in the celebration.

The two-hour parade was climaxed by the aerial display of a total of 26 aircraft, including helicopters, fighter jets and transport planes. It also saw divers from Singapore's navy presented a free-fall jump, and the Singapore Army's Red Lions swooped in from a height of 3,800 meters.

Fireworks were lit up before and at the end of the celebration, shining upon a spectacular skyline for the cheerful audience.