First UK festival lures visitors in Hanoi

The UK’s InspireMe Festival held in Hanoi for the first time has attracted a lot of local and foreign visitors with a host of festive activities.

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The three-day event, organized by the British Embassy in Vietnam and the Hanoi People’s Committee, opened in Hoan Kiem lake walking area on November 9 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic ties (1973-2018).

The festival focused on three themes of “Innovation”, “Gender Equality”, and “Say No to Single-Use Plastic Products”, with 56 pavilions of British enterprises operating in the fields of culture, education, science-technology, fashion and trade.


InspireMe Festival 2018 is one of the activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary
of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the UK. Photo: Viet Cuong


The event boasts over 50 pavilions of British enterprises operating
in culture, education, science-technology, fashion and trade. Photo: Viet Cuong


Posing with the miniature Big Ben. Photo: Viet Cuong


A new advertising technology introduced at the festival. Photo: Viet Cuong


The event showcases the UK’s well-known brands. Photo: Viet Cuong


A clean technology pavilion. Photo: Viet Cuong


There are 16 pavilions of non-profit organizations promoting wild life protection. Photo: Viet Cuong


The event has a lot of interesting activities for children. Photo: Viet Cuong


A girl sends her message for wild life protection. Photo: Viet Cuong


A music performance on Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square. Photo: Khanh Long


The festival attracts many visitors. Photo: Khanh Long


The event was held for the first time in Hanoi by the British Embassy in Vietnam. Photo: Khanh Long


UK Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward at the festival. Photo: Khanh Long


“Ao dai” fashion show is an exciting part of the event. Photo: Khanh Long

The festival featured a fashion show with a combination of Vietnam’s traditional Ao dai (long dress) and well-known UK brands, the finale of a music contest, an outdoor screening, a photo exhibition featuring the UK’s landscape and culture, and a Premier League livestream.

Seminars on Holographic 3D technology, computing technology by 2025, vocational guidance, health, and gender equality in the workplace were also held.

There are also typical products on display by more than 3,000 British enterprises that are operating in Vietnam in the fields of education, culture, sports, science-technology, fashion, music and linguistics.

Addressing the event, Ambassador of the UK to Vietnam Gareth Ward said that the festival showcased the creativity and dynamism of the UK, bringing inspiration from the country’s assorted fields.

It was an opportunity for Vietnamese people to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the UK in the heart of Hanoi, he said.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Ngo Van Quy highly appreciated that the festival dedicated a space on wildlife conservation and protection, as well as the fight against illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam.


Story: Bich Van – Photos: Viet Cuong & Khanh Longg