A journalist from the DA NANG Newspaper, whose pen-name is Da Nam, recently interviewed Mr Le Quy Duong, the General Director of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2017 which begins on Sunday 30 April and continues on various Saturdays until 24 June.  His aim was to learn more about the setting up of DIFF’s main stage.

The design of the main stage

Mr Duong remarked that key differences this year are that the main 5-sided stage is floating on the Han River and it will be much bigger and more imposing than in previous years, with the most advanced sound and lighting systems, stage rigging equipment, and 3D mapping technology.  In particular, the floating stage, covering a total floor area of over 1,000 m², will be made up of large decorative displays arranged in the shape of the local Marble Mountains.  The stage is expected to be put into use before 20 April. 

During the 5 performance nights, visitors will be treated to impressive performances by hundreds of singers and dancers.  After their exciting performances, the artistes will move towards the audience to meet and pose for photos with their fans with the aim of ensuring a close interaction.

Construction of the stage is underway

Meanwhile, 5 colourful hot air balloons, sourced from South Korea, will fly in the sky over the sparkling river, and they will each feature one of the 5 elements of ancient oriental philosophy.  Also, the audience will be treated to a fascinating paramotor display in the sky.  Either the paramotors or the hot air balloons will be used to drop confetti, lighting up the seaside city’s night sky. 

20 large decorations are being installed alongside the viewing stands on the eastern bank of the river to represent the 20 years since Da Nang’s recognition as a centrally-governed city.  These decorations will change in accordance with the theme of the 5 performance nights - large torches, models of Cham towers, the city’s symbolic bridges, fountains, and beautiful lotus flowers - namely ‘Fire’, ‘Earth’, ‘Metal’, ‘Water’ and ‘Wood’ respectively. 

According to representatives from the festival’s organiser, Sun Group, construction of the B2, B3, B4 and B5 viewing stands has now been completed, whilst 85% of the A stand has been constructed.  The remaining stands are expected to be finished before 20 April. 

During his recent visit to inspect the construction of the main stage and viewing stands, the municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman cum Head of the municipal Department of Publicity and Training, Mr Dang Viet Dung, asked relevant local agencies to accelerate the progress of the construction work.  He affirmed that the trial operation of the main stage will take place on 20 April, followed by the rehearsals for DIFF’s opening ceremony on 28 April.

Vice Chairman Dung checks construction of the stage

Great efforts will be put into hosting the guests during the fireworks events, and ensuring rescue and rescue plans, fire prevention and fighting, and security during the 2-month-long festival.

On the sidelines of DIFF 2017, a special programme entitled ‘Five Elements Food Space’ will be held at 1 Phan Dang Luu, opposite the Tien Son Sports Arena.  The magnificent culinary space, with 5 open kitchens representing the 5 elements of ancient oriental philosophy, will offer up to 500 national and international dishes in total.  Throughout this programme, there will be arts performances, cooking classes, and exciting eating minigames.  The show will be hosted by Pham Tuan Hai who is a culinary expert, a passionate chef, and a Masterchef Viet Nam judge.  Also, visitors will get the opportunity to meet with international chefs to gain an insight into delicious dishes from their countries, and to join in cooking contests.