The UK Festival in Vietnam began today afternoon (September 9th) at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, located in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District.
| The British Military Band on the streets of Hanoi. Photo: UK Embassy in Vietnam |
The event marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the British Council in Vietnam. This highlights the long-term and friendly relationship between the two nations.
Taking place over the weekend, the event celebrates the diverse cooperation between Vietnam and the UK. It showcases British culture, cuisine, craft products, and healthcare and education services to visitors.
The festival also features impressive performances from students of British schools in Hanoi, the UK military musical band, the renowned 911 band, and Vietnamese singers My Anh and Orange.
In an open space, UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew and food blogger Phan Anh collaborated in making scones, a traditional British baked food. This collaboration demonstrates the integration and great results that can be achieved when two cultures come together.
Ambassador Iain Frew expressed his honor in witnessing the improving bilateral relations between Vietnam and the UK, especially in the education sector. He noted that there are currently around 30,000 Vietnamese students studying in the UK.
He told The Hanoi Times, “We’re looking at the future and how we can work together in the next 50 years. The UK and Vietnam are cooperating on sustainability and developing our economies in a green, sustainable way.”
“The festival symbolizes our countries getting closer together and cooperating as partners in a deeper and more meaningful way,” he added.
The UK Festival in Vietnam is proudly supported by the UK Government’s GREAT Campaign, as well as various enterprises and organizations operating in Vietnam, such as Standard Chartered Bank, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, the British University Vietnam, and the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.
Following this weekend, the festival will continue in Ho Chi Minh City on September 16th and in Danang on October 16th.
