European Union Gardens Festival for all on 1st May in Vermanes Gardens

On 1 May, from 11 a.m. until 8.30 p.m., EVERYBODY is invited to the European Union Gardens Festival which will take place in Riga's Vermanes Gardens in celebration of Latvia's five years as an EU member state. The event will be officially opened in a ceremony at 12 o'clock by President Valdis Zatlers, with Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins, Ambassador Tomáš Pštross of the Czech Republic and  Iveta Šulca, Head of the Delegation of the EU Commission in Latvia.

The EU Gardens Festival will allow a close-up opportunity to observe the diversity of 20 European Union member states, to learn about travel and study opportunities, history and cultural traditions, and to become better informed about co-operation between member states as well as future directions.

The presentations will take place in the various tents each of which will be devoted to a theme of actual importance to Latvia as well as to particular areas of interest which guarantee Latvia's wholehearted contribution to the EU and also promote the recognition of Latvia's identity amongst other member states.  An individual tent will be devoted to the European Parliament – its significance and influence. The Latvian Free Trade Union and Workers' Rights representatives will also provide information and consultations for Latvia's inhabitants about rights and opportunities.

A special programme for youth and children has been prepared by Youth NGOs and Latvia's universities which will offer information on European education and exchange programmes. A European games section has been prepared by the youth organisation "Klubs Maja" – Youth for a United Europe, which will invite visitors to become involved in interactive activities on EU themes. During the whole day the Vermanes Gardens concert stage will host musical presentations by orchestras, choirs, groups and ensembles. The closing concert will feature "Riga Groove Electro" and Jolanta Gulbe, "Depressive Art" and the Concert Band "RIGA".  Parallel to these activities, from 1 – 3 May, there will be screenings of European films for Children and Youth at the Cinema Riga.

 

For Media attention

Media representatives are invited to the Gardens throughout the entire day's activities.

From 1.45 p.m. until 2 p.m. there will be a briefing in the German tent by German Ambassador to Latvia, Detlef Weigel.

From 2 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. there will be a briefing in the French tent by French Ambassador to Latvia Pascal Fieschi and German Ambassador Detlef Weigel.

Further media enquiries may be addressed to the Foreign Ministry Press Centre Division Head Diana Eglite 26136262 and/or to the Manager of the Project: European Union Gardens Festival – Vita Timermane-Moora 26397774

Programme 

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