First National Day fireworks display lights up the September 2 sky with a barrage of colour over the Saigon River.

In rapid succession, rockets are shot off for roughly 15 minutes celebrating the nation’s 71 years of independence (September 2, 1945-2016).

Favourable weather makes the displays ever more brilliant against the coal black starless evening sky.

It makes for one of the most sparling and dazzling National Day fireworks performances ever.

This is the third fireworks performance in the city this year, but spectators say they never lose their magic. 

The fireworks last for about fifteen minutes.

Earlier, thousands of people flock to the city centre to await the fireworks launch at 9:00 p.m.

On Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, youth sit chatting and waiting apprehensively for the fireworks to begin.

At 9:00 p.m. sharp, spectators cheer as they hear the first rockets launch and see the spectacular spray of colour streak across the sky.

They stand in long rows along Nguyen Hue streets watching the fireworks over the Saigon River.

Mr An from the Tan Binh District says National Day is one of his proudest days of the year.

Young couple kisses as heart shaped fireworks explode overhead.

Many couples stand mesmerized.

No one ever gets too old for fireworks.

Firefighters are on standby, just in case.

Ms Laura from Australia says it’s a day she never forgets to return to Vietnam to celebrate.

A young father snaps keepsake photos while holding his son on his shoulder.