German flavour: German band Raggabund perform at the German Festival on Saturday in Ha Noi. — VNS Photo Vuong Bach Lien

HA NOI (VNS) — The fourth annual German Festival in the capital city on Saturday attracted thousands of people.

It was held at the Viet Nam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts to mark the 40th anniversary celebrations of German-Vietnamese diplomatic relations (1975-2015).

The festival presented a panorama of Germany, from its food to politics, from music to bilateral co-operation.

Visitors took part in free German-language lessons through songs and games. Visitors were also invited to their thoughts and feelings about the European country in writing and through drawing.

Several short plays were performed by students at the Viet Duc (Viet Nam-Germany)high school.

Films presented German culture and booths introduced German businesses and their operations in Viet Nam.

Vietnamese students who studied in Germany also presented their views.

A highlight were performances by German band Raggabund at the opening and end of the event.

They had audiences clapping with songs in reggae, Latino and hip-hop styles.

President of the German Parliament Norbert Lammert took part in the event as guest of honour, on the sideline of the ongoing 132nd Inter-parliamentary Union Assembly in the city.

He said he was pleased at the fine relations between the two nations.

"Actually many thousands of Vietnamese live in Germany, but not many Germans are living in Viet Nam. I hope that such important events like this, will create more favourable conditions, so that more German people will come here," he added.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien said he was surprised at the number of activities and the excitement they provided.

He said the festival was an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese and German people to learn more about each other.

A Vietnamese student, Nguyen Minh Trang, said she had studied in Germany for two years and looked forward to going back.

"I really love the language and the country. And here, I am happy to find German culture and people." — VNS