National concert attracts 30,000, celebrating Vietnamese pride and unity
VOV.VN - Around 30,000 people gathered in Vietnam’s northern province of Thai Nguyen on November 1 for the “Proud to Be Vietnamese 2026” concert, an event celebrating national pride, historical memory and unity through music.
Held at Thai Nguyen Stadium, the concert brought together popular singers including Tung Duong, Noo Phuoc Thinh, Hoa Minzy, Vo Ha Tram and Pham Anh Khoa, alongside orchestras, bands and choirs. The programme was broadcast live on Vietnam Television’s VTV1 channel.
Thai Nguyen was chosen for its important place in Vietnam’s revolutionary history. The province is home to the Dinh Hoa Safety Zone, or ATK Dinh Hoa, part of the Viet Bac revolutionary base where President Ho Chi Minh, the Party Central Committee and the Government directed the resistance war against French colonial rule nearly 8 decades ago.
This historical connection gave the concert added significance, linking the sacrifices of earlier generations with contemporary expressions of patriotism and the aspirations of a younger generation.
Rather than simply revisiting the past, the programme used music to tell a broader story of Vietnam’s journey through war, reunification and peace. Revolutionary songs and compositions celebrating the homeland, the country’s landscapes and its people were performed alongside contemporary music, bringing together different generations and musical styles.
One of the evening’s defining moments came when thousands of spectators stood up and joined hands across the stadium as the opening song rang out. The audience repeatedly joined performers in calling out “Vietnam”, turning the concert’s message of unity into a shared experience.
The programme also included a symbolic handover of a flame representing Vietnam’s revolutionary tradition. Veterans brought the flame from ATK Dinh Hoa to the stage and passed it to younger participants, connecting the province’s historical legacy with the responsibilities and hopes of future generations.
The concert formed part of a wider series of cultural events in Thai Nguyen, coinciding with the International Tea Festival – Thai Nguyen 2026, held from October 30 to November 7. The festival celebrates the province’s renowned tea culture while promoting its cultural identity, tourism potential and opportunities for international exchange.
The events also take place as Thai Nguyen marks the 195th anniversary of its establishment and ahead of several national commemorations, including Vietnam Cultural Day on November 24 and the 80th anniversary of the Nationwide Resistance Day on December 19.
By bringing together historical themes, contemporary performances and a large audience, the concert offered a reminder that national pride is rooted not only in shared memories of the past, but also in the bonds connecting people across regions and generations.
The televised programme concluded with a high-altitude fireworks display. Further performances blending pop and rock music continued afterwards, extending the celebrations beyond the live broadcast.