Liverpool has taken another major step on the global stage this week, as the city celebrated the start of a new twinning relationship with Ho Chi Minh City through a vibrant cultural festival in Việt Nam.
Delivered in collaboration with the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the British Council, the Liverpool Culture Festival marked the launch of a long-term City2City Partnership between Liverpool and Ho Chi Minh City.
A UK delegation, including Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Harry Doyle, travelled to Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the collaboration and take part in the official launch.
Taking place over two days, the festival brought a taste of Liverpool to Việt Nam, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and connection through a packed programme of experiences inspired by the city.
Highlights included the Ho Chi Minh City Symphony Orchestra performing iconic songs by The Beatles, an immersive 360° virtual reality journey through Liverpool, a Mini Anfield Stadium experience, and a Twin Cities digital gallery. These sat alongside live music, interactive activities and limited-edition souvenirs celebrating the new partnership.
The festival followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two cities covering cooperation in healthcare, education, science and technology. The agreement was concluded during Tô Lâm’s official visit to the United Kingdom in October 2025.
During the visit, the Liverpool cultural delegation also held a productive working session with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, alongside a series of meetings arranged by the British Council with partners from across the cultural sector — spanning government bodies, institutions and independent arts organisations.
The new agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening international links, increasing public participation in cultural exchange, and opening the door to future collaborative initiatives between the two cities.
Ho Chi Minh City now becomes Liverpool’s 11th twin city, adding to the city’s long-standing global network and reinforcing Liverpool’s reputation as an outward-looking, internationally connected cultural powerhouse.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“We are delighted to be here in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate this new partnership between our two great cities.
“We are proud to stand alongside Ho Chi Minh City as a partner in health, wellbeing and culture and we are looking forward to working together to bring joint benefits to the people in both of our communities. We may be separated by thousands of miles, but we are united by shared ambitions: to celebrate our unique cultures, improve the health of our residents, and tackle inequalities.
“Together, we can show how culture strengthens health and wellbeing and can help build healthier, fairer and more prosperous futures for the people we serve.”
James Shipton, Director of the British Council in Việt Nam, said:
“The British Council is delighted to see the formation of this new City to City relationship. For over 30 years, we have worked side by side with artists, cultural institutions and creative communities in both our countries to build long term connections through culture between the UK and Viet Nam.
“This new relationship is a wonderful example of how such connections can support innovation, protect and promote heritage, and create opportunities for new generations of Vietnamese and British creatives to collaborate and thrive together.”
British Consul General in HCMC, Alexandra Smith, said:
“This festival reflects our commitment to long-term UK–Viet Nam city partnerships and meaningful cultural exchange.
“This time we are not only showcasing the world-renowned Liverpool’s music and arts, but also introducing emerging artists’ products with vision to inspire grassroot and youth-led creative collaboration from our two cities.
“We really appreciate for the strong support and active participation of HCMC’s leadership in this partnership and this special event.”
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