Ho Chi Minh City's authorities will organize the second Ho Chi Minh City International Music Festival, or HOZO, next month, after a three-year hiatus, the organizers announced at a press conference on Friday.

Known in Vietnamese as ‘Ho do 2022,’ the event, which is scheduled to take place from December 8 to 12, is part of the municipal authorities’ effort to boost the local culture and entertainment industry.

It marks the return of the first ever music fest organized by local authorities three years ago - the ‘Ho do 2019,’ despite many others having been held by the private sector.

This year, the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge Park in Thu Duc City will be added as a second venue, alongside Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 as in the inaugural HOZO.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, deputy director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, speaks at a conference to announce the 2022 Ho Chi Minh City International Music Festival, November 11, 2022. Photo: Bao Anh / Tuoi Tre News

Visitors to these two places will be treated to parties of music from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm during the four days of the festival.

This year’s performing line-up will feature celebrated artists from Vietnam and foreign countries, including Babyface - an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who has won 12 Grammy Awards, according to the organizers.

People will also be able to enjoy the performances via the metaverse of the event.

The organiers said at Friday’s press conference that they expected the total number of participants in ‘Ho do 2022’ would reach 500,000, compared to 150,000 visitors recorded at ‘Ho do 2019.’

Hot-air balloons will also be flown from the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge Park as an opening to the main music fest as the organizing board aims to hold “a festival within a festival.”

The organizers of the 2022 Ho Chi Minh City International Music Festival announce the participation of Babyface, an American musician who has won 12 Grammy Awards, at a press conference, November 11, 2022. Photo: Bao Anh / Tuoi Tre News

Another addition to ‘Ho do 2022’ is the establishment of a food zone at the park.

With a goal to ensure “More music, less plastic,” the organizers have vowed to maintain the public hygiene throughout the course of the festival.

“With ‘Ho do 2022,’ we show our determination to build a cultural industry in Ho Chi Minh City and promote the city’s distinctive cultural brand,” said Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, deputy director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports.

“We are delighted that such new strong vitality has returned,” musician Huy Tuan, music director of HOZO, remarked. 

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