A rehearsal for activities celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification was organised in Ho Chi Minh City on April 26.

Hosted by the national organising committee for celebrating big events during 2014-2015, the event was overseen by Minister of Defence General Phung Quang Thanh, Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang, Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Le Thanh Hai and Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, among others.

Taking place at the intersection of Le Duan and Pasteur streets in District 1 were an opening art performance, parades, and marches by forces representing the army, police, fatherland front and mass organisations, intellects and artists.

An official celebration ceremony will start at 6:30 am on April 30 at the same venue.

A range of activities will take place in the City on the day.

Apart from parades and marches, which will be broadcast live on the Vietnam Television, Radio the Voice of Vietnam and city television and radio stations, a special art programme with 4,400 artists will be held.

Fireworks displays are also scheduled across eight spots throughout the City.-VNA