A fireworks performance on the Hàn River in Đà Nẵng. The central city will host the festival in 2023 after a two-year delay caused by COVID-19. VNS Photo Trần Lê Lâm

ĐÀ NẴNG — The central city will resume the annual Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) on the Hàn River from June 3 to August 7 next year as it marks another step in the post-COVID-19 tourism recovery.

The city said it has been calling for applications from eligible sponsors and organisers of the event for 2023-25.

Priority will be given to sponsors who can guarantee VNĐ150 billion for hosting the annual festival for three years in a row.

The 2023 DIFF will feature eight teams competing over five nights across two summer months during the high season for tourism.

A 17,000-seat stand will be required on the east bank of the Hàn River, the main stage of previous festivals between 2008-2019.

A series of art performances and other cultural activities will be planned every Sunday for two months of the festival to decorate the main event in 2023.

The latest festival in 2019 saw teams from Russia, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, England, China, Italy and Việt Nam competing in a two-month performance that ended in victory for Finland.

Starting in 2008, Đà Nẵng has been the only place in Việt Nam to have hosted a fireworks festival, making it a magnet for the best fireworks producers from around the world each year.

The city has been building a ‘fireworks festival city’ reputation to promote it as a ‘must-see’ destination in central Việt Nam.

Italy’s Martarello clinched the title for the third time after winning in 2011.

Canada’s Davis Whysall took the top prize in 2008, while China’s Liuyang Dancing won in 2009. France’s Jacques Couturier Organisation won in 2010. The US team Melrose Pyrotechnics took the first spot in 2013.

A report from the city’s Culture, Sports and Tourism shows that each fireworks festival saw more than 1.5 million tourists flocking to the city. — VNS