The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Nghe An Province in the presence of National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung and other senior leaders from Laos and Thailand.

This year's festival attracted the participation of 33 art groups from provinces and cities including Ha Noi, Da Nang, Thua Thien - Hue, Tay Ninh and Bac Kan as well as two art groups from Laos and Thailand.

An art programme entitled 'Forever Shine - President Ho Chi Minh' was the opening activity of the festival including songs and dances themed on President Ho and his hometown, Nghe An, performed by nearly 1,000 artists.

The programme was broadcast live on the VTV1 channel to provide the audience with a deeper understanding of the land and people of Nghe An, the life and cause of President Ho and his great contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and nation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairwoman of the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee Dinh Thi Le Thanh said that the Sen Village Festival is held every five years, to show the respect and gratitude of Vietnamese people and foreign friends for President Ho Chi Minh, contributing to the promotion of the movement to study and follow the moral example of President Ho.

A chain of activities will be held during the festival such as mobile art performances in districts and towns in Nghe An province, a film week about Uncle Ho, fine arts and photo exhibitions on following President Ho's moral example and a propaganda poster exhibition on Uncle Ho among others.

The festival will run until May 19.