Community festival BridgeFest 2024 returns to Hanoi

BridgeFest 2024 promises an exciting lineup of renowned artists from diverse genres, including: Pháo, Thanh Duy, Hà Lê, Bức Tường Band, Minh Tốc & Lam, Hanoi Swing Dance, Green Wind Choir, JamBox (international), The Bridge Band (diplomatic corps band). 

Organized by Oxfam in Vietnam, the embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada, and the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and implemented by ECUE, Research for Education And Career Help Institute (REACH) and Hexagon JSC., BridgeFest will feature a concert stage and interactive space with community organizations that promote equality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. 

BridgeFest 2024 promises an exciting lineup of renowned artists from diverse genres, including: Pháo, Thanh Duy, Hà Lê, Bức Tường Band, Minh Tốc & Lam, Hanoi Swing Dance, Green Wind Choir, JamBox (international), The Bridge Band (diplomatic corps band). Forty social organizations and enterprises from across Vietnam will showcase their work that contributes to the country’s sustainable development in areas of environmental protection, healthcare, education, social inclusion, and gender equality, among others. 

The Netherlands recognizes the importance of community participation, a cornerstone of BridgeFest.  H.E. Mr. Kees van Baar, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam, highlights this role: “The Netherlands strongly believes in widespread community participation in society, which BridgeFest has been facilitating in a unique and wonderful way for the last 6 years. I am proud to say that the Netherlands, by being one of the two biggest supporters of the event this year, continues to support the unique role of community-led initiatives to create a prosperous, inclusive and social future for all”.

Canada further amplifies the impact of community organizations through showcasing their work. H.E.Mr Shawn Steil, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, explains: “Canada is thrilled to support BridgeFest again this year. We are especially honored to showcase the interactive space, which highlights the incredible work of community-based organizations in promoting inclusive growth and opportunity for everyone in Vietnam. BridgeFest 2024 will feature concerts and booths from these groups, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements of community, which will inspire positive change all around us.” 

"BridgeFest represents a shared commitment to fostering equality and sustainability in Vietnam. The festival reflects our belief in the power of collaboration to shape a future where all people can thrive. We are proud to support this event", said Ms. Mary Beth Polley, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to Vietnam.

H.E. Mr. Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam, reminds that positive change requires collective action: “BridgeFest is an opportunity to remind ourselves that governments and international organizations will not be able to fix this planet and heal our society, by themselves – everyone has a responsibility to participate with their strengths and capacities, to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy planet and a cohesive society.” 

As a pivotal partner of BridgeFest since 2020, the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism continues to support the festival's mission: “We have always greatly appreciated the efforts and values that BridgeFest has brought to the community over the years. That is why we are always here to contribute our part to the noble and humanitarian ideas for a more just and brighter future for everyone,” said Mr. Trần Nhất Hoàng, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. 

The BridgeFest 2024 is scheduled to welcome the public from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event will feature a variety of activities, including interactive booths hosted by social organizations from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Music performances by local community groups and bands will fill the afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official ceremony is organized at 07:00 p.m., followed by a special night music concert by Vietnamese and international artist line-up from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.