The French have done it again! If ever there was a great example of 'soft political power' this is it.

The French Institute puts on fantastic events in Yangon, including music and film festivals and this weekend is the Mingalabar festival.

In conjunction with the Yangon authorities, they have created a fun festival series of events culminating in a pop music festival and firework display near Shwedagon pagoda.

Intially today it is getting to the venue for the display of two giant puppets and the traffic is gridlocked. I walk quite a distance but link up with Melani, Chris, Paul and Carol under the flyover.

The local crowds absolutely love it and there are hundreds of phone cameras recording the event. The puppets are huge and have been made from locally sourced wood and are moved mechanically on pulleys to the sound of music.

Later, we walk over to the People's Park to see 'cello with BMX', 'mechanical digger interpreting opera' and circus acts. It's great atmosphere and the first time an event like this has taken place for decades in the fledgling democracy.

Police patrol the perimeter and inside the venue and there are about 5,000 people attending the event. Some police carry rifles and I wonder what they make of this entirely peaceful and joyful occasion.

As as I return home, I am greeted by the now familiar 'high fives' from the children and am welcomed to watch the Myanmar versus Thailand match in small wooden house. There are seven youngsters huddled together in the tiny room and a small slightly fuzzy TV set. I am given the plastic chair in the centre of the group and am honoured by this gesture.

Soft power can have a great impact in changing attitudes and culture - from fear and mistrust to hope and fun. Well done France.