HẢI PHÒNG — Hải Phòng's Red Flamboyant Festival lit up the skies to celebrate UNESCO's recognition of the Hạ Long Bay and Cát Bà Archipelago as a world natural heritage site, as well as the 69th anniversary of Hải Phòng Liberation Day.

Jonathan Baker, chief representative of UNESCO in Việt Nam and Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang present the certificate recognising Hạ Long Bay - Cát Bà Archipelago as a world natural heritage site on May 11. — VNA/VNS Photo

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang was at the ceremony, along with leaders of ministries, departments, branches, neighbouring provinces and international organisations.

Jonathan Baker, the chief representative of UNESCO in Việt Nam and the Deputy Prime Minister handed over a special status certificate recognising the Hạ Long Bay combining with Cát Bà Archipelago as a world natural heritage site.

The Cát Bà Archipelago in Hải Phòng City and Hạ Long Bay, which is in the neighbouring province of Quảng Ninh, is Việt Nam's first inter-provincial site listed by the UN cultural agency as a World Heritage site.

Nguyễn Văn Tùng, chairman of Hải Phòng City People's Committee [the municipal government], said that the city is committed to preserving and developing cultural and spiritual heritages for generations to come.

Hải Phòng has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with an abundance of treasures, including over 550 tangible and intangible cultural listings which are already classified. Alongside the Cát Bà Archipelago world natural heritage site, the area boasts of 11 national intangible cultural heritages, two special national heritages, and no fewer than 21 national treasures.

"Hải Phòng City always puts great value and importance on the cultural ​​and spiritual life of the people, as culture is the driving force of development,” Tùng said.

Following the UNESCO award there was a captivating and energetic art and musical programme around the theme of Hải Phòng – Bừng Sáng Miền Di Sản (Hải Phòng – The Heritage Region Bright Ups), which showed the port city as brimming with vitality and significant achievements as it continues to develop.

The arts programme was divided into three parts, the first entitled The Moon Harp of The Sea, recreating the historical legends and myths of Hải Phòng City.

Next was under the theme Hải Phòng - Vibrant in May and featured the image of lighthouse to illustrate the city's many historical chapters.

The final part of the show was called The Heritage Region Bright Ups, using the sun to signify the city's strong aspirations before the dawn which heralds new and promising opportunities for the port city.

Following the performance, a magnificent and astounding high-altitude fireworks show illuminated the port city's skyline, watched by thousands of residents and visitors. — VNA/VNS Photo

On the stage designed with the inspiration from the theme of the blooming red flamboyance, the concert featured cutting-edge lighting and augmented reality technologies.

Following the performance, a magnificent and astounding fireworks show lit up the port city's skyline, entertaining thousands of citizens and visitors.

The Hải Phòng Red Flamboyant Festival 2024 also has 26 key events and 78 activities taking place across the city. — VNS