The ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, and representatives from Thua Thien Hue, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces as well as local residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Nguyen Kim Dung, Chairman of the Hue City’s People’s Council affirmed that the city will continue to preserve and promote the relics of the former imperial city of Hue and Nha Nhac (Royal Court Music) which was recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO.

Meanwhile, the Thua Thien Hue province’s People’s Committee held a press conference on June 2 to complete preparations for the 2008 Hue festival which will open on June 3 under the theme “Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development”.

This is a cultural and tourism event imbued with traditional cultural identities, aiming to expand international exchange and boost socio-economic development, especially tourism.

This is the first time the Hue festival has attracted the participation of many traditional and contemporary arts troupes from 23 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe with a total of 77 performances including singing, dancing, music, installation art and street art or graffiti.

On the opening night, there will be many unique and multi-coloured events such as the Nam Giao festival, the coronation ceremony of national hero Quang Trung, Royal Night and the Legend of Huong river.