Riga prepares to shine again

Over the past decade Staro Riga has become one of the most popular events of the year in the Latvian capital, with buildings and public spaces flooded with light and installations across the city showcasing the works of international light artists.

Crowds turn out in huge numbers, and children in particular enjoy the spectacle of the illuminated city.

The festival is also credited with bringing in tourists at a time when the summer season is over and visitors on Christmas and New Year breaks are yet to arrive.

An English-language version of the official Staro Riga website is available HERE, but it appears to lack much of the content provided on the Latvian and Russian versions of the website.

Riga mayor Nils Ušakovs has also taken to Twitter to tell people about a special program of concerts and other events due to take place at the newly-renovated VEF cultural center in the north of the city.

A Soviet-era "Palace of culture" for the proletariat, over the years the building had fallen into a sad state of repair but renovation works have just been completed and if you look over the mayor's shoulder in the video below, you can glimpse some of the new facilities.

In a separate initiative, organizers of Latvia's centenary celebrations have arranged for a special club night for young people to be held at nightclubs, bars and cafes across the country on November 18, so keep an eye open for the logo at entrances if you plan to dance the night away.