Deputy Director of Hà Nội's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lê Thị Ánh Mai speaks at a press conference introducing the second Thăng Long - Hà Nội Festival. Photos courtesy of organisers

HÀ NỘI — The 10-day 2026 Thăng Long - Hà Nội Festival will begin on September 11, and aims to promote the capital city’s heritage as a foundation for international exchanges while fostering connections with the arts and creative industries.

Addressing a press conference to launch the event on August 20, Deputy Director of Hà Nội's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lê Thị Ánh Mai said the second festival was planned based on the success of the first edition, with new activities, venues and organisational methods.

"The first festival in 2025 created a large space for culture and arts that connected heritage with contemporary creativity. More than 30 activities focusing on culture, arts and tourism were organised with the participation of many artists and artisans in different venues," Mai said.

"Nearly 200,000 visitors participated in the festival, while there were nearly one million views on the event's social fanpage. This gave us important feedback that proved the attractiveness of the festival, which was built on a foundation of heritage, and confirmed people's demand for art linked with our city's cultural space."

"The success of the first festival was also key for us to designate the Thăng Long - Hà Nội Festival as an annual event, which will help build the capital city's cultural brand," she added.

Mai said she hopes that this year's event will draw in more visitors to enjoy an exciting cultural experience while promoting images of Hà Nội as a city that is rich in tradition and identity, and also dynamic, integrated and innovative.

It will also help promote the value of heritage, foster the development of cultural industries and gradually strengthen Hà Nội's position as a UNESCO Creative City.

Remarkable changes

One of the largest cultural events of the year, the festival is themed Dòng Chảy Di Sản (Heritage Flow) and will place heritage in the flow of past, present and future.

It will not only honour Hà Nội's heritage, but also aims to bring culture closer to the public under innovative approaches suited to contemporary life. Visitors will enjoy art shows, exhibitions, performances and workshops, approaching heritage from multiple perspectives.

According to the organising board, the festival will feature the participation of international art troupes from Japan, South Korea and India, along with those from local cities and provinces.

Programmes on music, fashion and art are expected to provide cultural interactions between Hà Nội, the rest of Việt Nam and international friends.

Exciting activities

Running from September 11 to 20, the event will begin with a special programme featuring more than 5,000 artists and guests at the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel.

On September 12, an international cultural and art show entitled Thăng Long - Hà Nội, Bridge of Heritage will be held, followed by a vibrant music programme targeting young audiences.

Artists, artisans and creators will participate in this year's festival.

A series of artistic experiences will also take place at the citadel from September 11 to 13, and is expected to attract approximately 250,000 visitors.

The Temple of Literature will feature exhibitions, displays, heritage experiences, showcases of traditional craft village products and artistic performances. These activities are designed to be visually engaging and dynamic, enabling the public to connect with traditional cultural values.

At the Hà Nội Museum, activities will be held from September until the end of the year. Exhibitions and performances showcasing intangible cultural heritage will feature artisans, artists, researchers, clubs, training institutions and visitors.

The Âm Thanh Gốm (Sound of Ceramics) event in Bát Tràng Ceramic Village on September 19 promises to deliver a unique experience. Artists will create performances combining sound and light through traditional ceramic materials, bringing the heritage of the craft village to life.

On the same day, The Colour of Hà Nội fashion show will be held at the Martyr Monument next to Hoàn Kiếm Lake. The programme employs contemporary fashion and design to celebrate the intersection of traditional cultural values, indigenous materials, exquisite craftsmanship and modern creativity.

The closing ceremony will wrap up the festival with a extravagant show on September 20 at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, recapping highlights from the event while promoting Hà Nội to the world. — VNS