Valmiera to Celebrate 743rd Birthday with Four-Day Festival

Valmiera is preparing for its 743rd birthday, with festivities spanning four days from July 23 to 26. The program combines music, culture, and physical activities.

The celebration kicks off on July 23 at 6:00 PM in Vecpuisis Park with an open-mic concert featuring solo artists and ensembles.

On Friday, July 24, after a festive procession around 8:30 PM, Valmiera County Council Chairman Jānis Baiks will give a welcome speech on the main stage. The concert will begin with Katrīna Dimanta and her band “Zeltrači,” performing original music and folk song arrangements. The evening continues with the band “Citi Zēni,” known for representing Latvia at Eurovision and winning awards like “Zelta Mikrofons” and “Muzikālā banka.” Later, DJ Alexx Rea will keep the party going.

Simultaneously, in Vecpuisis Park, performances start at 9:00 PM with the “Tarakānu ansamblis” from Valmiera Theatre, followed by “Rīgas Modes” at 10:20 PM, and at midnight, old-school rock’n’roll band “Quickstrike” will take the stage.

Saturday, July 25, begins with a traditional wake-up call from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, with music in various city locations. At noon, the main stage hosts the Baltic folk dance concert “Saules gaismā,” featuring dancers from Valmiera, Šiauliai (Lithuania), and Tartu (Estonia).

At 8:00 PM, Ivo Fomins will perform a rock program, including hits like “Nekas jau nebeidzas” and “Putni bez spārniem.” The evening continues with hip-hop artist Fiņķis and the duo “Bujāns” (Intars Busulis and Reinis Sējāns). DJ Alexx Rea closes the party.

In Vecpuisis Park from 5:00 PM, a choir concert “Visapkārt zeme zied” honors Raimonds Pauls, followed by a Latgalian music program “Tu munā sirsneņā” by Igauņu ģimene, and a dance evening with the band “Vēja radītie” at 8:30 PM.

On Sunday, July 26, at 2:00 PM, Valmiera’s St. Simon’s Church will host an organ concert “Francijas sapņi un Maestro mūzika” as part of the X Historical Organ Festival, featuring opera singer Ilona Bagele and organist Ilona Birģele.

Leading up to the festival, from June 22 to July 23, residents can join the challenge “7 = 4 weeks + 3 days,” accumulating kilometers by walking, running, or cycling. The most active participants will be recognized during the celebration.

On July 25, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Valmiera Youth Center “Vinda” garden will host family activities, including buggy demonstrations, table hockey, and creative workshops. Young musicians and a vocal ensemble will perform.