RIGA - The Baltic states don't have a very long season for beach parties, but the Balts make up for that fact with an enormous annual weekend long seaside gala. The seventh annual "Tele2 Baltic Beach Party" is due to take place in the western Latvian coastal city of Liepaja on July 20 and 21.
The party promises to be truly massive; it has quickly grown in size since its 2001 kickoff, which managed to draw a still impressive 7,000 people. Interest has skyrocketed in recent years, with last year's event seeing approximately 45,000 participants 's more than half the population of the city!
This year's festival will feature a number of events ranging from live music to beach sports to a bikini contest and lingerie show.
Five separate stages 's each playing a different genre of music 's will host more than 70 live bands. The vast majority of the bands come from the Baltic states, with some musicians from western Europe and Russia making appearances.
The main stage will host bands that play mostly pop and disco music, and will feature the highest number of artists from outside the Baltic states. The second stage will mostly highlight the skills of the local Latvian star DJ Jaffa, alternating between him and other local artists. The third stage will play cultural music, with "Salsa Carnival" blasting out Latin dance tunes on the night of the 20th. House music will keep dancers up all night on stage four 's the final artists don't even start until 4 a.m.. The stage will be complete with go-go dancers and a headline show by French superstar DJ Gregory. The fifth and final stage will play rock and alternative music, including the wildly popular erotic-metal band "Iron Wolf."
Despite the huge list of live artists, the Baltic Beach Party isn't just about the music. An amateur sporting competition will also take place during the days. Events include a "street" basketball tournament (it's actually played on the beach), as well as beach soccer games and, of course, beach volleyball.
For those less inclined toward sporting competitions, a fashion show is scheduled on stage three during both days. The show will give students of the Riga Design School and Liepaja Art School a chance to show off their work. Additionally, the two days will have a lingerie show sponsored by Lauma Lingerie and Laumelle Aqua, featuring negligees they're advertising as "sporty, romantic and elegant."
The beach party does not leave the youth behind as a "student and youth carnival," organized by the Pedagogical Academy of Liepaja, will see 300 youths brightening up the beach with face paint and carnival-like costumes. A style studio will offer funky hairdos to the party-goers, and a professional photographer will be on hand to capture all those memorable moments.
The first 1,000 tickets to the party cost 10 lats (14 euros), the next 5,000 sell for 12 lats, and thereafter tickets will go for 15 lats. A giant campsite 's a mere 100 meters from the Baltic sea 's will be set up to provide running water, toilets and overnight lodging for those with tents for three lats per area (up to five people). For those without tents, lodging information and local hotel reservations can be booked through the Liepaja tourism bureau at + 371 3480808 or +371 29402111.
Tele2 Baltic Beach Party
July 20 - 21
Liepaja
Tickets:
www.bilesuparadize.lvMore information:
http://www.beachparty.lv/
