THUA THIEN HUE — The first festival featuring traditional instruments from the various ethnic groups in Viet Nam has started in the central city of Hue.

The five-day event has drawn together more than 380 artists from 19 music institutes, theatres and art troupes. They will perform traditional art forms like tuong (classical drama), cheo (traditional opera), cai luong (renovated opera), puppetry and nha nhac (royal music).

Vuong Duy Bien, head of the festival organising board, said the event was a place for presenting Vietnamese traditional music to foreign tourists.

Judges at the festival include music researchers, veteran musicians, artists and music critics.

The festival ends on Sunday.-VNS