The UK Festival in Vietnam will kick off this weekend (September 9-10) at the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem District to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew (second, right) during the press conference on September 6. Photo: UK Embassy in Vietnam

At the festival, participants and guests will learn about scholarships offered by 20 of the UK's top universities and colleges. The event will also showcase products and services from UK companies in the consumer, healthcare and financial sectors.

Cutting-edge renewable energy projects and technologies will also be showcased, demonstrating the two nations' commitment to a green and sustainable future.

The festival will give guests the opportunity to enjoy British cuisine. Assisted by food blogger Phan Anh, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew will show off his skills in making traditional British scones with Hanoi's autumn flavors.

The festival will also include a British-Vietnamese live show featuring the popular boy band 911, a British military band, a children's orchestra and Vietnamese artists. The show is expected to rock the audience over the weekend.

After Hanoi, the festival will move to Ho Chi Minh City on September 16 and Danang in October.

Ambassador Iain said the ties between the UK and Vietnam are "flourishing like never before".

"The UK and Vietnam are closer than ever, with relations at an all-time high and with so much potential for the years ahead," he said at a press conference on September 6.

"This remarkable UK Festival in Vietnam serves as a bridge between our two nations, celebrating 50 years of enduring friendship and cooperation," the Ambassador said.

The UK Festival in Vietnam in Vietnam is one of the major activities marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations, which falls on September 11, 2023.

Over the past 50 years, the two countries have developed strong ties in all fields, especially economy, education and training, and social development.

In 2022, two-way trade increased by 29% on the previous year to £6.9 billion (nearly US$8.7 billion). The figure has almost doubled in nine years. The UK joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) earlier this year. With the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Ambassador Iain expects the relationship between the two nations to continue flourishing.

In education and training, the UK is one of the top destinations for Vietnamese students. The two countries have strengthened cooperation in sustainable development programs, especially in climate change and renewable energy.

The number of high-level business trips between Vietnam and the UK has increased. In May 2023, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong attended the coronation of King Charles III, while the UK Environment Minister visited Vietnam in April 2023.