The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2017 will feature 8 teams from Australia, Switzerland, Japan, the UK, Austria, Italy, China and Da Nang-Viet Nam.  The festival was first held in 2008 with 4 international teams.  This year, a series of unique events will also bring tourists meaningful experiences.

The fireworks festival has been held since 2008

DIFF 2017 will be an extravagant festival. In previous editions the stage was set up beside the Han River. This year, there will be a complex including a stage on space; on the river surface and along the river. A floating stage will have Ngu Hanh theme based on 5 basic elements of ancient oriental philosophy.

The festival will not just be a fireworks display.  One highlight of this year’s DIFF will be the parades of eye-catching flower-decorated vehicles representing the 8 participating countries, along with ones from Da Nang. The vehicles will be decorated with the countries’ symbols such as Big Ben, the Tower Bridge and a double-decker bus for the UK and sakura flower and Torii gate for Japan.  There will be interactions between festival-goers and performers on the mobile stages.

Mr Le Quy Duong, the General Director of DIFF 2017, remarked that the event will ensure a close interaction between the festival participants, locals and tourists.  Also, the  fireworks festival will be organised based on the native culture and orient philosophy. With careful preparation, each performance is not only a festival of sound and light with impressive fireworks but also a master piece of art, illustrating the beautiful heritages of Viet Nam.

Director Duong

As for the construction of the main stage, Mr Duong said that he and artist Trinh Hai Nam drew the 3D design but only artist Van Tong can turn the 3D design into reality. Tong is a veteran and skilled artist.  He uses new technology to make scenic designs which are 100% accurate to the 3D drawing.

As for art shows at DIFF 2017, Australian aborigines will enthrall audiences with their traditional indigenous performances whilst Swiss artists will play the horn. Other countries like Japan, South Korea and China will also perform traditional art.  Also, international artists will be invited to perform at the festival.

Perfoming at the festival will be Vietnamese pop singers such as Thanh Lam, My Linh, Cao Minh and Kasim Hoang Vu and traditional artists including People’s Artist Bach Hac.

Artistes from the Hue Traditional Royal Arts Theatre will dance at the Fire night to open festival on April 30.  The opening night will see a performance by hundreds of artists from the Hoi An Culture Centre with 100 lanterns.  Dac Lac Traditional Art Troupe’s performance will be a highlight on the Metal night on May 27.
Artists from Phương Nam Art Ensemble will perform circus and entertainment shows during the festival.

Mr Duong also affirmed that, as one of tourists to the previous DIFF I regret attending a little because it was only a 2-night firework competition.  This year the festival will last nearly 2 months. It is Viet Nam’s first summer-long festival.

He hopes that DIFF would be bestowed the World Performing Arts Capital title by both UNESCO and International Theatre Institute in recognition of the quality of its programmes.

Mr Duong said that he is very proud of being invited to direct DIFF 2017.  He hopes everything will be smooth and DIFF will be a milestone not only of Da Nang and Sun Group but also his company - Le Quy Duong Company.

(Source: VNS/ Da Nang Today)