This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) brand name. Hence, apart from amazing pyrotechnic displays, locals and visitors will be thrilled by an array of stunning cultural and entertainment activities during the festival period.

Work on the DIFF main stage in progress

The Da Nang International Fireworks Competition (DIFC) has been upgraded into the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) which promises bigger and better performances this year.

The DIFC was first organised in 2008 with only 4 teams. From then on, every 2 years, local residents looked forward to the two days in the year in which they got to see the elaborate shows, and welcomed tourists from all over the world. But 2 days were not enough, and a period of 2 years was too long; hence, the competition came back in 2017 as a 2-month-long festival.

Over the 10-year-long journey, DIFF has become one of the city’s large-scale international events, attracting the top notch fireworks contestants in the world.

According to Vietnamese meritorious artiste Do Thanh Hai, the festival’s new General Director, to make sure spectators will be treated to a breathtaking light spectacle, the 2,000m2 DIFF 2018 main stage, which is bigger and more imposing than last year, features the world’s most advanced lighting technologies.

The stage of every single firework display night is to be breathed new life and creativity with spectacular light shows which are expected to bring extra excitement to the most-awaited event of the year, and transform the Da Nang skyline into an outdoor audiovisual feast.

The light shows will be followed by vibrant and peculiar arts performances joined by a large number of domestic famous singers and dancers, especially domestic top stars.

The centre of the stage will feature 3 levels, allowing it to highlight the culture and history of the participating countries, and to honour the winners in a convenient and impressive manner.

The symmetric arches of the stage show the shape of the Dragon Bridge, and the symbol of the modern and integrated Da Nang, and represent a close connection between the culture and history of the 8 participating teams as well.

Fireworks viewing stands being installed in a quickly fashion

Mr Nguyen Quang Hai, a male resident from Ngu Hanh Son District’s My An Ward, feels very proud of the increasing popularity of the DIFF vibe.

It is the fact that people around the global are very familiar with fireworks shows; however, DIFF has been remained its firm stature as an attractive ‘spiritual food’ for both locals and visitors thanks to its organising innovations over the past decade.

Ms Sarah Craig, a visitor from the UK, said, “I have seen the New Year’s Eve fireworks shows along a bank of River Thames in London.  What bright and vibrant displays!”.

As a pyro-lover, Craig plans to pay visits to Hoi An and Hue, and then to set foot in Da Nang for fireworks displays. She now feels very eager to witness with her own eyes a one-of-a-kind fireworks party in this beautiful city.

One of the most vibrant and expected event on the sidelines of this year’s festival is definitely the parades of 12 eye-catching flower-decorated vehicles representing the 8 participating countries which will take place on 5, 12 and 19 May, and 16, 17, 23 and 24 June.

The vehicles will be decorated with such symbols of the participating countries as their landscapes, historical sites, religions, cultural identities, and beautiful bridges.

In particular, non-stop dances will spread the festive mood to every corner of the city.

Another notable programme is the Street Carnival during which unique model carts, upbeat arts displays by both Vietnamese and foreign street artists will represent their own participating countries and territories.

Visitors are expected to have wonderful moments whilst joinning the giant crowd cheering out there and revel in a festive and ragingly robust ambience.