HÀ NỘI — The InspireMe Festival, organised by the British Embassy in Việt Nam with cooperation from Hà Nội People’s Committee, will present a wide range of cultural activities around the capital city’s Hoàn Kiếm Lake this weekend.

The festival will include the participation of 56 booths from British companies supporting the themes creativity, gender equality and environmental protection.

Music performances, fashion shows and films will entertain guests during the three-day festival beginning on November 9. British ambassador Gareth Ward and Hà Nội People’s Committee Chairman Nguyễn Đức Chung will both speak at the festival’s opening ceremony.

The winners of a singing contest will be announced during the second day of the festival. The best twelve will cover hits by British singers and groups such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Adele and Sam Smith. The overall winner and runner-up will have the chance to perform at the Queen’s Birthday Party at the British embassy.

On the opening night, a fashion show will present the latest collections from brands such as Karen Millen, Coast, Mitre and Dr Martens. Models will show off áo dài with British designs.

Outdoor film screens will show musical Sunshine on Leith and animation Wallace and Gromit with Vietnamese subtitles on November 10 and 11 at 2.45pm and 7.15pm, respectively, at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square.

The ‘Love, Hanoi Pride’ parade will take place on November 11 from 1.30pm to 9.30pm including the participation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) community. The parade will also include live music, stalls and community activities.

Talks on science and technology will be held on November 10 and 11 at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square. Attendees will be able to watch a short science fiction film, read books and take part in a quiz to win prizes.

A wildlife village, made from environmentally-friendly materials such as bamboo, wood and paper, will be built for nature lovers at the foot of the Cảm Tử Monument. A giant elephant will be placed at the entrance to the village, to which festival-goers can attach their climate change commitments.

An exhibition of photos by domestic and international photographers will be set up along the entrance to the village. Wildlife films and games will also be on offer.

On the final night, football fans will be able to watch the Premier League match between Liverpool and Fulham on a large outdoor screen at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square at 6.30pm. — VNS