HCM CITY (VNS) — The annual French food and wine festival "Balade en France" returns to HCM Ciyt this year with a more attractive and efficient format.

The sixth edition will take place on October 23 and 24 at Hotel Equatorial in HCM City.

This year, visitors will buy an entrance ticket that will grant them access to the event, which includes a rich programme of entertainment and activities.

They can also purchase coupons worth VND20,000 (nearly US$1) each at numerous points of sale, and exchange these tickets for food, beverages and desserts.

Dishes from the finest restaurants in HCM City will be on offer, and French products will be for sale, at prices from VND20,000 to VND80,000.

Three French bands based in Viet Nam – The Blues Buddies, Gwenilli, Peche a la Mouche – will perform on stage both evenings.

Magicians will walk through the room and surprise guests with their tricks. There will also be a lucky draw and photo booth, as well as a wine-tasting workshop with sommeliers.

Throughout the night, several cartoonists and a painter will also be offering artistic activities.

Poussiere de Vie, an independent organisation supporting unprivileged kids in Viet Nam, will hold a petanque tournament and a trolley game in the kids' corner.

The event is held to promote French culture through food, wine, music and entertainment activities.

It is organised by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Viet Nam, Sopexa, the benchmark agency for international marketing, specialising in food, wine and lifestyle; and Hotel Equatorial, with the support of the French Consulate in HCM CIty and the French Ministry of Agriculture.

Last year, 1,750 people attended. The event expects to welcome 2,000 visitors this year. — VNS