HANOI, October 18, 2024 — The 6th annual BridgeFest, a vibrant music and community festival, will return to Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square, Hanoi on Saturday, November 2. 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). The festival also introduces the audience to gifted community music and culture groups who will grace the atmosphere  with rich performances. 

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," said Ms. Mary Beth Polley, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to 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."

This collaborative spirit is echoed by Oxfam in Vietnam's National Director, Vũ Thị Quỳnh Hoa: “BridgeFest is a celebration of our shared values, highlighting the importance of caring for people and the planet. Through music, we come together to inspire positive change and envision a future where everyone can thrive. Oxfam is proud to support BridgeFest over the last six years. Each year, we welcome more partners and people, creating a vibrant festival. Together, we celebrate music and the spirit of collaboration in co-creating a more inclusive and sustainable future of a human economy”.

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. 

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.” 

The Bridge Band, a unique group of Hanoi-based international diplomats and Vietnamese government officials, exemplifies the power of music to build bridges.  Mr. Trần Nhất Hoàng, Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and founder of the Bridge band, shares their experience: “Our band is called Bridge, with the meaning of using music to connect, to promote positive values, and to share the cultural values of different nations. We hope that when different nations understand each other better, we can together build a better world!.”

This sentiment is echoed by the Vietnamese band Bức Tường, who return to BridgeFest for a third time: "Coming to BridgeFest for the third time, Bức Tường acknowledges that music can do more than just entertain. On BridgeFest stage, we feel a special energy – a place where we come together to foster values of equality and inclusion, where music serves as a bridge that unites individuals from all walks of life, bridging gaps of background, gender, and circumstance,” said guitarist Trần Tuấn Hùng.

Schedule

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.

Contact information:

Hexagon

Ms. Lại Vân Anh

Điện thoại: 0942433948

Email: anhlv@hexa.vn

Oxfam in Vietnam

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hồng Phượng

Communications and Media Senior Advisor

Điện thoại: 84-243-945 44 88 (ext. 605)

Email: phuong.nguyenthihong@oxfam.org 

U.S. Embassy Hanoi

Email: hanoimediateam@state.gov

Facebook: U.S. Embassy in Hanoi | Hanoi | Facebook

Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam

Ms. Trần Thị Khánh Vân

Cultural and Press Officer

Tel: 024 39346589 (ext. 803972)

Email: thi-khanh-van.tran@eda.admin.ch 

Embassy of Canada to Vietnam

Ms. Vũ Tuyết Trang

Public Affairs Officer

Tel: 090 343 0526

Email: Trang.Vu@international.gc.ca

Kingdom of the Netherlands

Mr. Lê Văn Nhân / Ms. Phạm Thị Hồng Vân

Communications Officer

Email: han-ea@minbuza.nl 

Notes to editors:

     1. BridgeFest Story

BridgeFest, a vibrant community event in Vietnam, has grown significantly since its inception as Southeast Asian Pride 2016. Over the years, this annual celebration has attracted thousands of participants and promoted important messages of equality and social integration across Vietnam.

Since 2018, Oxfam and the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam have joined forces to co-organize BridgeFest. This collaboration aligns with Oxfam's global campaign, "Even It Up – Bridging the Gap," which aims to eliminate inequality worldwide.

BridgeFest became a powerful platform for inspiring young people to become active participants in their communities. In 2019, the event focused on encouraging youth involvement in social initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare. Top 5 of Miss Universe 2018, H’Hen Niê, joined as a speaker, sharing her inspiring story and emphasizing the importance of equality in these areas.

BridgeFest 2020, held in Hanoi, showcased its growing influence by attracting over 15,000 attendees. The event's slogan, "Be the change," encouraged young people to actively engage in addressing national and global issues. Forty-two social organizations and artists contributed to the event's vibrant atmosphere, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism joined as a co-organizer for the first time.

In 2022, BridgeFest expanded its reach to Central Vietnam, taking place in Da Nang City. Over 11,000 people from across Vietnam attended this event, which promoted equality, diversity, and a human economy. Thirty-two social organizations participated, and the Embassy of Switzerland joined as a co-organizer.

BridgeFest 2023 further solidified its position as a leading community event by attracting 38 social organizations and top artists. The theme "Bridging the gap towards a Human Economy" remained central to the event. Additionally, Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands joined as co-organizers, enriching the diversity of the event and reinforcing collaborative efforts for equality and inclusion.

The 6th annual music community festival BridgeFest 2024, is back to Hanoi in November, promisinges to be another remarkable event. With the participation of 40 social organizations, it will continue to serve as a platform for music, collaboration, and the promotion of positive values. The festival is jointly organized by the embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada, Oxfam in Vietnam, 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’s fanpage: Facebook

     2. Artists performing at BridgeFest 2024

Bridging the gap between generations and cultures, BridgeFest will feature a diverse lineup of artists, each bringing their unique style and message to the stage. From legendary bands to emerging talents, from Vietnam to international, the festival will celebrate the power of music to connect and inspire.

  • Hà Lê: Hà Lê, a seasoned rapper, has inspired many within the Vietnamese art community with his talent and dedication to tradition.Facebook
  • Pháo is a young but rising star, has taken the social media world by storm with her viral songs. Facebook
  • Thanh Duy, known for his versatile voice and energetic performances, will captivate audiences with his unique blend of genres. Facebook
  • Bức Tường Band, a legendary Vietnamese rock band, will perform at BridgeFest for the third time and resonate with fans through their timeless songs about youth, ambition, and the pursuit of personal passions. Facebook
  • Minh Tốc and Lam, a dynamic duo, will blend traditional folk melodies with modern influences to deliver emotionally rich songs in their second time performing at BridgeFest. Facebook
  • Hanoi Swing Dance will celebrate personal expression and connection through their lively dance steps set to classic Jazz music. Facebook
  • Green Wind Choir: Established in 2019, Green Wind Choir is an inclusive choir that welcomes people of all ages, genders, nationalities, and singing backgrounds. Green Wind Choir believes that music is a universal language that has the extraordinary ability to bring people together, regardless of age, background, or experience, showcasing diversity and inclusion. Facebook
  • Jam Box Band: a vibrant fusion of international talent, brings a fresh and eclectic sound to the Hanoi music scene. This eclectic group of expats from around the world comes together to create original music inspired by global influences and spontaneous improvisation. With their infectious rhythms and unique tunes, JamBox is sure to get you dancing and grooving.

  • The Bridge: A unique band was formed in late 2023 by ambassadors, diplomatic officials, and Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism employees. Driven by a shared passion for music and a commitment to promoting cultural diversity, respect, friendship, and a better future, they named their band Bride.

    3. Organizers

Oxfam is an international confederation of 21 organizations networked together across more than 87 countries. It is part of a global movement that aims to make a greater impact in reducing poverty and fighting for equality.

Website: https://vietnam.oxfam.org 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oxfaminvietnam/

REACH (Research for Education and Career Help Institute) is a Vietnam-based non-profit organisation that aims to “bridge the gap” by providing vocational training, career advice, and job placement services for Vietnam’s most disadvantaged youth. Website: www.reach-vietnam.org 

ECUE is a social enterprise that supports businesses and organizations promoting the values of diversity and inclusion, gender equality and human rights. Website: https://ecue.vn 

Hexagon is a marketing company with more than 15 years of experience in Vietnam. Hexagon has helped hundreds of brands and enterprises reach consumers through thousands of marketing activities in many events across the country. Website: https://hexa.vn