Lee Brennan (right) and Jimmy Constable, two members of 911, at the festival press conference in Hà Nội. — Photo courtesy of British Embassy

HÀ NỘI — The United Kingdom Festival will open this weekend in Hà Nội downtown with a series of activities offering a unique opportunity to explore the UK and its connection with Việt Nam.

Bringing together more than 60 partners, the UK Festival will be an unparalleled experience inviting all individuals to join in celebrating the rich tapestry of UK – Việt Nam partnership as well as UK culture and arts.

Ahead of the official celebration of the 50th anniversary of UK and Việt Nam relations on September 11, the two-day UK Festival will take place at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square from 9am to 10pm.

"We are bringing to you the best of Britain, from our products, our services to our cuisine, our art, culture and music," said British Ambassador to Việt Nam, Iain Frew, at the festival press conference.

"This remarkable UK Festival in Việt Nam serves as a bridge between our two nations celebrating 50 years of enduring friendship and collaboration. I invite you all to join us this weekend and experience a creative, dynamic and inspiring UK."

The climax of the festival will be performances by the Military Band, DJ Johnny Harris, and the band 911.

The Military Band performances will feature British pieces and Vietnamese folk songs from 10am to 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

From 7.30pm to 10.30pm on Saturday night, the legendary 911 will perform with renowned Vietnamese singers Mỹ Anh and Orange, as well as talented DJs Johnny Hong Mao and MinDaniel.

“This is our 4th time coming back to Việt Nam to participate in the UK Festival," said Jimmy Constable of 911 at the press conference.

"The Vietnamese audience is very friendly, we are happy to be treated like family. We will perform with Mỹ Anh and there will be other events."

Last February, the band also collaborated with Vietnamese singer Đức Phúc on a Valentine version of the song "I Do", which has reached 50 million views on YouTube.

The band's performance is expected to rock the audience over the weekend.

At the festival, participants and guests will learn about scholarships offered by 20 of the UK's top universities and colleges. The event will also showcase products and services from UK companies in the consumer, healthcare, and financial sectors.

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy British cuisine. Assisted by Vietnamese food blogger Phan Anh, Ambassador Frew will show off his skills in making traditional British scones with Hà Nội's autumn flavours.

Furthermore, the festival will culminate in a captivating culture night with a children's orchestra performance and a fashion show elegantly showcasing the creative expressions of Việt Nam and the UK at 8pm on Sunday.

After Hà Nội, the UK Festival will come to HCM City on September 16 and to Đà Nẵng on October 16. VNS