Although the program was scheduled for 8 p.m., people began arriving at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Dong Anh as early as 6 p.m. Security checks and ticket scanning at the entrances were handled efficiently. Many attendees wore red and yellow star shirts and carried national flags, ready to cheer on the artists.

At 6:37 p.m., a sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds began. Many people sought shelter in tents provided by the organizers. Most said they were prepared to watch the show in the rain. They had spent several hours traveling from central Hanoi due to heavy rain that morning, which had caused flooding in the city.

The audience wears raincoats and hats to watch the "Vietnam in me" concert. Photo: Ha Thu

The audience wears raincoats and hats to watch the "Vietnam in me" concert. Photo: Ha Thu

Previously, on 20/8 and 21/8, tens of thousands of people, regardless of the rainy and sunny weather, queued for hours to receive tickets to the concert. The organizers said they distributed 9,000 tickets to the public. Thousands of additional tickets were given to army units, veterans, police, and schools.

On social media, some of the first people to get tickets resold them for around 1.5 million VND each. Some audience members who had queued unsuccessfully decided to spend millions of VND to secure a spot at the concert.

Directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and organized by the Hanoi Opera House in collaboration with related units, the concert commemorated an 80-year journey, evoking pride and love for the homeland, especially among the younger generation. The songs featured powerful melodies, showcasing the beauty of the Vietnamese people and country. The concert featured artists such as Soobin, Hoa Minzy, Erik, Duc Phuc, Anh Tu, Quan A.P, and Duong Hoang Yen.

Ha Thu