HCM CITY (VNS)  — More than 2,000 young people will take part in the Spring Seas and Islands Festival at the Youth Cultural House in HCM City on Friday as the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday approaches.

The event will feature cultural and art shows comprising dozens of veteran and young artists from traditional art troupes.

Cai luong (reformed opera) and tai tu (traditional tunes of the south) performances, as well as photography and traditional calligraphy displays.

More than 200 navy soldiers and police men will be invited to participate in the event. It will also include a charity show featuring 200 performers in music, dance and theatre, many of them students from local colleges and universities.

In addition to the shows, participants will be encouraged to paint and write their best wishes to soldiers on a large greeting card.

A variety of street shows featuring folk art and games will be held from 8pm until late night.

The organisers, the Youth Union in co-operation with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and HCM City Television, said they had received help and support from the city People's Committee and other offices and organisations. .— VNS