According to poet Do Han, standing member of the organising committee, this year’s event, themed “Nation’s Spring”, aims to celebrate national sea and island sovereignty and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory that put an end to French colonial rule in Vietnam. 

It will bring together more than 80 poets who are members of the Vietnam Writers’ Association from places across the country, including four universities and 26 poetry clubs in Hanoi. 

Traditional poetry readings will explore national pride, while commemorating people who laid down their lives for Vietnam. 

Meanwhile, 50 lines of verse will be printed on flags stood around the venue.

The organising committee will host a forum including writers and artists who fought in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. 

Following the festival, the Vietnam Writers’ Association will organise a series of poetry and music gala nights in Hoa Binh, Son La and Dien Bien provinces in March.