Singapore Town Became A City
Saturday, 22nd September 1951
Singapore City Day. On this day, the Town of Singapore was officially made a City of the British Commonwealth, by an official proclamation of a Royal Charter by King George VI. Singapore City Day festivities began with an official parade, in the presence of 50,000 of her citizens at the Padang. The event at the flag-bedecked Padang. Many activities were lined up to take place around the island "on the hour" throughout the day. Big attractions were lined up for the evening. The city was in traffic chaos and jammed everywhere. Thousands of men, women and children in a festive mood, jammed and crammed the streets or seafronts to catch the best angle and action of the three big shows, the Sea Dragon, the fireworks display, and the City Day Procession. At least 1,500 policemen were assigned to control the overwhelming numbers.