Belgium Culture and Food Festival 2024 set for Haiphong

On October 9, DEEP C Management Co., Ltd. held a press conference regarding upcoming Belgian Cultural and Food Festival 2024 (B. Fest).

B. Fest 2024 press conference on October 4 in Haiphong. Photo: DEEP C

The festival is slated to take place from October 25-27 at the Vietnam-Czech Republic Friendship Cultural Palace in the northern port city of Haiphong.

The Belgian embassy has authorised DEEP C Industrial Zones, represented by DEEP C Management Co. Ltd. that is the largest Belgian investment project in Vietnam, in tandem with the Belgian and Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, to organise the event.

The programme continues the success of the B. Fest event chains held in 2019, 2022, 2023, regarded as an international event that acts as a cultural bridge to help people of the two countries learn, exchange and share experiences.

B. Fest 2024, to be invested on a large scale, with the most impressive decoration ever, is expected to draw in over 6,000 participants.

The festival aims to welcome a diverse audience, including residents of Haiphong and neighbouring localities, the expatriate community in Vietnam, businesses and organisations, and individuals who share a love for Belgian culture.

Ambassador of Belgium to Vietnam Karl Van Den Bossche giving remarks. Photo: DEEP C

Speaking at the press conference, Ambassador of Belgium to Vietnam Karl Van Den Bossche said, “For more than 50 years, Belgium and Vietnam have been working closely together. While at first the focus was on development cooperation and agriculture, today we work together on climate change, green economy and resilient and smart logistics. Belgium is the hub to the EU and Vietnam is the gateway to Southeast Asia.”

“For the past years, the DEEP C and B. Fest has become an important part of Belgian culture in Haiphong. The event has been growing a solid reputation for a fantastic weekend of Belgian gastronomy and hospitality. The wide variety of Belgian beers; the choices of good food; the music and other entertainment: this is how we Belgians reach out; to bond even more with Haiphong,” he said.

Themed “Awaken the Senses,” B. Fest 2024 invites attendees on a captivating journey through Belgium's renowned culinary culture.

The festival will showcase an unprecedented selection of nearly 30 Belgian beer styles, many of which have never before been introduced in the previous seasons.

Belgium Culture and Food Festival 2023. Photo: DEEP C

In particular, there are more than 20 imported Belgian beers that cannot be found in stores outside. At the same time, the presence of Belgian chefs with more than 10 dishes from Belgium and Belgian beer experts set to bring unique culinary experiences when combining beers with the right dishes.

Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, director of Haiphong Department of Foreign Affairs said,“Aligned with the Cultural Diplomacy strategy, we made efforts to bring typical images of Haiphong to friends from all over the world in general, and Belgian friends in particular."

"At the same time, we have joined with international friends to bring the beauty of culture from all over the world to Haiphong, so that Haiphong’s people can experience the world culture in the context of deepening globalisation and international integration. B. Fest is an exciting and successful cooperation between us - the Department of Foreign Affairs, other relevant management agencies, the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam and DEEP C”.

The upcoming festival will feature a wide range of activities, including fireworks; a music concert; Belgian chefs introducing local distinct specialities including ingredients, beer brewing methods and food preparation; among others.

Not only bringing world-famous beers, the festival aims to stage an explosive entertainment party, blending sound, light and unique festival decor.

Over three nights, there will be explosive performances featuring many talented artists from both Vietnam and abroad. Singer Trong Hieu along with bands Osoko and Ouido will energise the festival atmosphere with vibrant songs.

Additionally, renowned DJs such as Alexandra and Belgian DJ Loveboat (Discobar Galaxie) will heat up the party with modern EDM tracks.

Bruno Jaspaert, CEO of DEEP C Industrial Zones, giving remarks. Photo: DEEP C

Bruno Jaspaert, CEO of DEEP C Industrial Zones, revealed that the event serves as a cultural bridge, allowing the Belgian community in Vietnam and residents to share their distinctive cultural values.

Moreover, it promotes economic and tourism ties between Belgium and Vietnam while positioning Haiphong as an attractive investment destination.

“Through B. Fest, DEEP C aims to give back to Haiphong and its people, acknowledging their contributions and support over nearly three decades, which have been instrumental in establishing DEEP C as a top industrial zone developer in Vietnam,” said Jaspaert.

Belgium is home to many of the world's best drinks, and Belgian Beer was the only drink in the world to be recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.

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