The Hanoi authorities have asked the Government for its permission for making cannons and cannon balls to mark 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Once approved, Hanoi will team up with the Ministry of Defence to produce an old-styled gun and will fire it on October 1, 2010 to herald the city’s millennial birthday.

So far, more than 30 embassies and international organisations in Vietnam have registered to take part in Hanoi’s 1,000th anniversary. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has worked out the scenarios in the grand ceremony. More than 18,000 people are expected to participate in the ceremony and parade through Ba Dinh square on October 10.

The same day, a gala night will also be held at My Dinh Stadium to uphold the theme "Thang Long-Hanoi-the city of ascending dragon".