Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The UK Festival is taking place inHanoi downtown on September 9-10 with a series of activities offering a uniqueopportunity to explore the UK and its connection with Vietnam.

Bringing together more than 60 partners, the UK Festival will bean unparalleled experience inviting all individuals to join in celebrating therich tapestry of UK – Vietnam partnership as well as UK culture and arts.

Ahead of the official celebration of the 50th anniversary of UKand Vietnam relations on September 11, the UK Festival is underway at Dong KinhNghia Thuc Square from 9am to 10pm.

"We are bringing to you the best of Britain, from ourproducts, our services to our cuisine, our art, culture and music," saidBritish Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew at the festival press conference.

"This remarkable UK Festival in Vietnam serves as a bridgebetween our two nations celebrating 50 years of enduring friendship andcollaboration. I invite you all to join us this weekend and experience acreative, dynamic and inspiring UK."

The climax of the festival will be performances by the MilitaryBand, DJ Johnny Harris, and the band 911.

The Military Band performances will feature British pieces andVietnamese folk songs from 10am to 11am on September 9-10.

From 7.30pm to 10.30pm on September 9 night, the legendary 911will perform with renowned Vietnamese singers My Anh and Orange, as well astalented DJs Johnny Hong Mao and MinDaniel.

“This is our 4th time coming back to Vietnam to participate in theUK Festival," said Jimmy Constable of 911 at the press conference. "The Vietnamese audience is very friendly, we are happy to betreated like family. We will perform with My Anh and there will be otherevents."

Last February, the band also collaborated with Vietnamese singer DucPhuc on a Valentine version of the song "I Do", which has reached 50million views on YouTube.

The band's performance is expected to rock the audience over theweekend.

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

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy British cuisine.Assisted by Vietnamese food blogger Phan Anh, Ambassador Frew will show off hisskills in making traditional British scones with Hanoi’s autumn flavours.

Furthermore, the festival will culminate in a captivating culturenight with a children's orchestra performance and a fashion show elegantlyshowcasing the creative expressions of Vietnam and the UK at 8pm on September10.

After Hanoi, the UK Festival will come to Ho Chi Minh City in thesouth on September 16 and to the central city of Da Nang on October 16./.