The opening arts programme for Hanoi's second World Culture Festival held its general rehearsal at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on September 30. Deputy Culture Minister Ta Quang Dong attended and called for further checks of content, staging and coordination.

The Culture Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Hanoi authorities are organising the festival to celebrate cultural diversity and introduce Vietnam to international audiences. Performers and production teams are refining the opening programme. Completion of the rehearsal does not mean the public opening ceremony has already taken place.