This information was released at a press conference held in Hanoi on December 8.

Upon addressing the event, Nguyen Manh Cuong, director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ninh Binh province, stressed that this is a national cultural and tourism event which aims to promote cultural exchange activities and  honour cultural heritages as well as accelerating tourism development in the locality. 

Cuong revealed that the festival is expected to mobilise about 200 boatmen on Trang An wharf to participate in diverse art programmes along with the participation of international art troupes from Udomxay province of Laos and artisans from across the country.

Most notably, the opening programme will see the first real-life performance held in the magical space of cultural heritage Trang An scenic complex, which will be reflected through lighting and projection mapping technology, contemporary dance art, calligraphy with dance art to help visitors learn more about the history and culture of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh, and the quintessence of cultural colours of various localities from across the country.

Leaders of the Ninh Binh Department of Culture and Information emphasised that this is one of the activities being held in a bid to turn Ninh Binh into a major cultural hub and an ideal venue in which to organise international and national events in the near future.

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was designated as a dual UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural and cultural values in 2014.

Source: VOV