UK Festival 2023 Brings Authentic British Culture to Hanoi

Taking place on September 9-10 at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square (Hanoi), the UK Festival 2023 offers Hanoi's people the opportunity to try traditional afternoon tea culture, or taste delicious pastries made by the British Ambassador to Vietnam Ian Frew and watch exciting performances from legendary pop group 911.

Zoey Nguyễn

September 08, 2023 | 09:10

The UK Festival 2023 will include an exciting line-up of events to mark the official celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UK and Vietnam relations (September 11, 1973 - September 11, 2023). The UK Festival in Hanoi this weekend will kick off a series of festivals in Ho Chi Minh City (September 16) and Da Nang (October 16).

Uk Festival 2023 Brings Authentic British Culture to Hanoi

British Ambassador to Vietnam Ian Frew spoke at the press conference on September 6 in Hanoi (Photo: Hoang Vu).

"We are bringing to you the Best of Britain, from our products and services to our cuisine, our art, culture, and music. We are also bringing our best people – from our Military Band, our DJ to the one and only 911 band," said Ambassador Ian Frew at the press conference on September 6 in Hanoi

According to the Organizing Committee, the festival's educational booths are representatives from 20+ renowned British universities and institutions that will showcase their education offers. Among the 60 booths, there is an array of British products hailing from popular brands in retail, healthcare, and financial services. Leading projects and firms in renewable energy that reflect the commitment of both nations to a greener, more sustainable future will also participate.

One of the festival's highlights will feature a special scone baking session that brings together the culinary talents of Vietnamese food blogger Phan Anh and the British Ambassador.

Headliners of music nights are the legendary pop group 911, and renowned Vietnamese singers and DJs (Photo: VTV).

"These performances promise to ignite the atmosphere with a blend of sensational tunes, while the cuisine show embodies the fusion of flavors from both cultures, echoing the broader theme of partnership," said the representative of the Organizing Committee

Street performances will culminate in a captivating culture night with an orchestra performance and a fashion show, elegantly showcasing the creative expressions of Vietnam and the UK.

“The UK and Vietnam are closer than ever, and with relations at an all-time high with so much potential for the years ahead. This remarkable UK Festival in Vietnam serves as a bridge between our two nations, celebrating 50 years of enduring friendship and collaboration,” exclaimed the British Ambassador.

Vietnam - UK: Building for the Future

In 2022, two countries achieved a new record of £6.9 billion (US $8.6 million) in bilateral trade, a 29% increase from that of 2021 and nearly double the figure in 2013. Earlier this year, the UK successfully struck a deal to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which Vietnam is a founding member and a strong supporter of the UK membership. This landmark agreement complements the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

The UK is among the top destinations for Vietnamese students who wish to pursue their studies overseas. In particular, British universities and institutions are providing a range of scholarships like Chevening, a fully funded scholarship scheme of the UK Government, which helps facilitate access to world-class education and opportunities for talented Vietnamese students.

Also, the two countries are committed to working together to address those global challenges. As an effort to tackle the climate change threat, the Secretariat under the Just Energy Transition Partnership was established and a Resource Mobilization Plan – the next step in making that energy transition a reality - is being implemented.

Also, the year 2023 marks a series of high-level visits between Vietnam and the UK, including the visit by President Vo Van Thuong to the UK for the Coronation of King Charles III, the visits to Vietnam by the UK Minister of Environment, Trade and Defence. There will be more important visits and delegations from both sides to boost our strategic partnership, said the British Ambassador.

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