The event was broadcast live on Bac Ninh Radio and Television and rebroadcast by 17 media outlets across the country.

Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong voices at the event.

Taking place from October 20 to November 2, the festival brought together nearly 1,000 artists, actors, and musicians from 12 professional Cheo art troupes nationwide, showcasing 21 plays covering a wide range of themes and creative styles.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong praised the remarkable contributions of the participating troupes, artists, directors, playwrights, composers, designers and technicians who made the festival a success.

Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong and Bac Ninh official Tran Thi Hang award gold medals to Bac Ninh Cheo Theatre and the Military Cheo Theatre for their winning plays.

He affirmed that the National Cheo Festival, held periodically, aims to honor, preserve and promote the traditional values of Cheo – a form of Vietnamese folk opera. It also provided a forum for artists and troupes to exchange experience, foster creativity, and enhance performance quality.

“The festival not only reflects the current state of Cheo art but also discovers new talents and nurtures the next generation of artists,” Dong said. “Hosting the event in Bac Ninh – the land of Quan ho folk songs and the cradle of Kinh Bac culture – has made this meeting between Cheo and Quan ho particularly meaningful, symbolizing a dialogue between Vietnam’s unique traditional art forms.”

Representatives of the Organizing Committee present gold medals to the artists.

According to playwright Chu Thom, Chairman of the festival’s art council, this year’s event showcased the troupes’ efforts to explore modern themes and bring the breath of contemporary life into Cheo, while preserving its distinctive artistic language.

“The participation of many young performers in new plays is a positive sign, demonstrating that the Cheo tradition is being renewed and passed down in line with modern sensibilities,” Thom said.

At the closing ceremony, the organizing committee presented two Excellence Awards, 33 Gold Medals, and 65 Silver Medals to outstanding performers. In addition, two plays and several individuals in scriptwriting, musical direction, and stage design were honored.

The two productions that won Gold Medals were Thien Menh (Heaven’s Mandate) by Bac Ninh Cheo Theatre and Nguyen Van Cu – The Great Aspiration of Youth by the Military Cheo Theatre.

Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong and Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Mai Son present the Excellence Awards to the artists.

The two artists who received the Excellence Award were Meritorious Artist Quynh Mai of Bac Ninh Cheo Theatre and Meritorious Artist Quoc Phong of Hanoi Cheo Theatre.

Audiences at the ceremony enjoyed an artistic program featuring performances by Bac Ninh Cheo Theatre and Bac Ninh Quan ho Folk Song Theatre, celebrating the festival’s spirit of cultural convergence and artistic vitality.

An art performance at the closing ceremony.

The 2025 National Cheo Festival reaffirmed the enduring appeal of one of Vietnam’s oldest performing arts, which continues to evolve while maintaining its traditional soul.

Through modern interpretations and youthful participation, Cheo remains a bridge connecting the nation’s cultural past with its contemporary artistic aspirations.

Cheo Festival 2025 to bring traditional theatre to life in Bac Ninh

This year’s festival, from October 20 to November 2, will bring together nearly 900 artists, actors and musicians from 11 professional cheo troupes representing provinces and cities across the country.

 

Nearly 1,000 artists and musicians to join national Cheo festival in Bac Ninh

BAC NINH - The 2025 National Cheo (Traditional operetta) Festival will take place from October 20 to November 5 at the Bac Ninh provincial Cultural and Exhibition Center in Bac Giang ward.

Soong co and Cheo recognised national intangible cultural heritages

BAC NINH- The 2 folk art performances of Bac Ninh province including soong co of San Diu ethnic people and cheo singing have been recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as national intangible cultural heritages. This is a big pride for Bac Ninh people, which affirms values of the special folk arts in the northern province of Bac Ninh. 

Soong co folk singing, cheo art and Tho Ha rice paper craft recognised national intangible cultural heritages

BAC NINH - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a decision to announce the list of national intangible cultural heritages including Soong co folk singing of San Diu ethnic people, Bac Ninh cheo singing and Tho Ha rice paper making craft. 

Cheo melodies resound in highland

BAC GIANG- As mentioning the art of Cheo, many people often talk about popular Cheo villages in the lowland such as Hoang Mai and Nenh ward in Viet Yen township, Tu Mai and Dong Quan in Bac Giang city. However, in the mountainous area of Son Dong district, a Cheo singing club of Thanh Tra village, Le Vien commune has been established and preserved for many generations attracting a large number of local people.

Cheo art and An Chau boat racing festival recognised national intangible cultural heritages

BAC GIANG- The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued decisions on the inclusion of Cheo folk art performance of Bac Giang province and An Chau traditional boat racing festival (Son Dong district) in the list of national intangible cultural heritages.