Thousands of people in HCM City are expected to participate in “Lights 2019”, the New Year Countdown party which will be organised on Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street from 8pm on December 31 until midnight.— Photo plo.vn

HCM CITY — Thousands of people in HCM City are expected to participate in “Lights 2019”, the New Year Countdown party which will be organised on Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street from 8pm on December 31 until midnight.

Following the success of the same programme in 2018, the progamme this year will be a special countdown event to say goodbye to 2018 and to celebrate 2019.

Performances will include well-known artists Thanh Bùi, Soobin Hoàng Sơn, Trọng Hiếu, Đen, Bích Ngọc, Osad, Kimmese, The LYRICÍST, DJ Hoaprox and SlimV.

The event will be hosted by MC Trấn Thành.

The Lights 2019 event will include indie and hip hop music, which was the trend in Việt Nam this year and is expected to continue.

Indie and hip hop continue to cross over from underground to mainstream, creating trends inspired from the simple things in everyday life.

The genres bring their own unique and personal perspectives on topics relevant to what goes on in the world today.

The emphasis on freedom has made indie and hip hop contemporary trends that portray the new Vietnamese music scene, to which the world audience is awakening.

Founder of Amberstone Media, Thanh Bùi, said: “It’s not about mainstream or indie, it’s about talented Vietnamese artists sharing one stage. In 2018, the national arts scene, especially music, has seen many impressive moves, many events that made us proud to say that we are Vietnamese. I want all the people who come to this year’s Countdown Lights 2019 to feel a sense of pride about Vietnamese talent.”

“Lights 2019 is not only an annual cultural event for the community, but also a stage to bring Vietnamese talent closer to the public,” he added.

Besides indie and hip hop artists, the show will feature famous artists who are adored by fans all over the nation.

Osad and Monstar will perform their latest hits, while two singing sensations from Việt Nam Idol, Trọng Hiếu and Bích Ngọc, will join the countdown event.

The show also features Soobin Hoàng Sơn who will perform his hit songs that have been loved by many in recent years.

A message of peace will be communicated via dance choreography in a special performance by The LYRICÍST dance crew.

The most recognised performance will likely be from the young students of Soul Music & Performing Arts Academy who will play Baby Shark and Pinkfong, two animation characters that have become a family favourite on social media in Việt Nam and around Asia in the past few years.

The New Year Countdown Lights 2019 event promises to continue to bring a pioneering musical spirit and electronic rhythm from DJ Hoaprox and SlimV with their energetic and fiery music, to celebrate the transforming moment.

Lights 2019 is organised by Bình Minh Group and powered by Amberstone Media and Novel Production in association with InQ Entertainment and Tech Beat Records.

The main sponsor is Sài Gòn Commercial Bank (SCB) with co-sponsors Windsor Property Management Group Corporation (WMC Group), Sunny World Property Development Corporation and Saigon Signature Corporation.

Hà Nội’s year-end event

Meanwhile, in Hà Nội, concerts and activities will take place at countdown parties across the country with the participation of popular artists and football players from Việt Nam’s National team.

A New Year countdown party will be held at Lý Thái Tổ Garden and Hàng Đẫy Stadium. Rock bands such as Ngũ Cung, Recycle and Empty Spaces will entertain the crowds and help say farewell to 2018 and welcome the new year at Lý Thái Tổ Garden.

The highlight of the event will be the appearance of football players from the national team. The countdown party at Lý Thái Tổ Garden will be aired live on Việt Nam Television (VTV)’s Channel 1.

The players will be guests on the television show Countdown 2019 - Vũ Khúc Ánh Sáng (Light Dance) on Channel 1.

Hàng Đẫy Stadium will host a countdown party for the first time, giving partygoers the chance to ring in the new year with a bang. A 360-degree stage will be set up with a 30m-high Star Tower.

Westlife band member and pride of Ireland, Shane Filan, as well as Vietnamese singers Tuấn Hưng, Noo Phước Thịnh and Tiên Tiên will perform at the show. Sound and light performances on a huge screen will also amaze attendees.

At an event in Hội An, 3,000 lanterns and 50 coloured balloons will be released on December 31. Fireworks will light up the sky to ring in 2019.

An art show entitled Thắp Sáng Di Sản - Chào Đón 2019 (Heritage Lighting - Welcome New Year 2019) will take place to countdown to the new year. — VNS