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BridgeFest, a vibrant community-connecting music event in Vietnam, has grown significantly since its inception as the Southeast Asian Pride Festival in 2016. Over the years, this annual festival has attracted thousands of participants and conveyed important messages about equality and social inclusion across Vietnam. BridgeFest 2024 is co-organized by Oxfam Vietnam, the Embassies of the Netherlands, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and implemented by Hexagon, the Research and Support Institute for Vocational Education (REACH), and ECUE.
The organizing committee held a press conference to provide information about BridgeFest 2024 on the morning of October 18. Photo: People's Representatives
The Netherlands highly values the importance of community participation, a core element of BridgeFest. Ambassador Kees van Baar of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam shared: "The Netherlands has always strongly believed in broad community participation in society, and BridgeFest has served as a unique and meaningful platform for this participation for the past six years. I am proud to say that the Netherlands, as one of the two largest sponsors of this year's event, is continuing its role in supporting community initiatives towards a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable future for all.”
Ambassador Shawn Steil of Canada to Vietnam explained: "Canada is honored to continue its partnership with BridgeFest this year. We are especially proud to introduce this interactive space, which celebrates the outstanding contributions of community organizations in promoting inclusive development and equal opportunities for all in Vietnam.”
“BridgeFest represents a shared commitment to promoting equality and sustainable development in Vietnam,” said Mary Beth Polley, Acting Deputy Ambassador of the United States to Vietnam. “BridgeFest reflects our belief in the power of collaboration in shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are proud to support this event.”
This spirit of collaboration was emphasized by Ms. Vu Thi Quynh Hoa, Country Director of Oxfam in Vietnam: “BridgeFest is an event that celebrates our shared values, affirming the importance of caring for people and the Earth. Connecting through music, we inspire positive change and look towards a future where everyone thrives and is happy. Oxfam is proud to have supported BridgeFest for the past six years. Each year, we welcome more partners and audiences, all contributing to a vibrant and distinctive festival. Together, we celebrate music and the spirit of collaboration to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for a humanistic economy.”
The organizing committee held a press conference to provide information about BridgeFest 2024. Photo: People's Representatives
As a key partner of BridgeFest since 2020, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam continues to support the festival: “We highly appreciate the efforts and values that BridgeFest has brought to the community over the years, which is why we are always here to contribute our part to humane and noble ideas for a fairer and better future for everyone,” said Mr. Tran Nhat Hoang, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Ambassador Thomas Gass of Switzerland to Vietnam emphasized that positive change requires collaboration: "BridgeFest is an opportunity for us to remember that it is not governments or large international organizations that will preserve the planet and heal our societies – but each of us has a responsibility to participate with our strength and capabilities to ensure that future generations will inherit a healthy planet and a united society.”
BridgeFest promises to be a spectacular musical feast with vibrant and colorful performances from leading artists such as Pháo, Thanh Duy, Hà Lê, Bức Tường band, Minh Tốc & Lam, Hanoi Swing Dance, Gió Xanh Choir, the international band JamBox, and the Bridge Band of diplomats. The festival will also showcase performances rich in cultural identity from community groups across the three regions of Vietnam.
