BA RIA-VUNG TAU — Kids singing patriotic songs like Em Mo Gap Bac Ho (I Dream of Meeting Uncle Ho) by composer Xuan Giao are winning hearts at this year's Pink Lotus Children Singing Festival in Vung Tau city.
The applause from the audiences was overwhelming at the four-day event's opening night, on Tuesday, in the city's Dien Bien Theatre.
"We encourage all entrants to perform lovely songs and dances about their homeland, Uncle Ho, family, school and the summer," says Vo Thanh Ky, head of the event's organising board.
"We want to reward every little singing angel with prizes and gifts," Ky says.
Nguyen Thu Thi Trang, 11, is a competitor of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. "I'm very happy to sing for my parents, teachers and friends."
"Through the festival, I hope to sing and make new friends," she says.
Trang and her peers will perform a dance featuring Ha Noi's history and culture because the festival's theme is "Vietnamese children celebrate 1.000 years of Ha Noi."
Some 2,500 children and teenagers, aged between six and 15, from 50 cultural houses for children in HCM City and southern provinces are taking part in the annual event, which aims to encourage children to show off their singing and dancing abilities
It is also a fun activity for the summer school holiday that lasts for three months.
During the festival participants will do free shows in remote districts around Ba Ria-Vung Tau, such as Long Dien, Dat Do, Chau Duc and Xuyen Moc.
Organisers say it is healthy entertainment for rural people, particularly children. Charity activities will be also included.
To attract as many children to the festival as possible, organisers collaborated with local authorities and many sponsors to provide musical equipment, food and drink.
"We believe the festival will bring smiles, dreams and hopes to all of our students, encouraging them to integrate into society," said musician Nguyen Thanh Tung, a member of the judging panel.
"We also hope that people of all social strata will pay more attention and care to children, particularly underprivileged children, encouraging kids to develop their ability." — VNS