From May through July, the former royal capital of Imperial Russia celebrates a unique annual event. Because of its location near the Arctic Circle, the spring sun shines for 20 hours a day throughout the beautiful old royal city of St. Petersburg.

Festival visitors attend performances of ballet, classical music, opera and military band music every evening. Then they stroll the streets and enjoy the outdoor cafés under the bright midnight sun until the wee hours of the morning.. A highlight of the festival is the gathering of military bands. They hail from Russia, France, Germany, Holland and many other areas of the world. They compete for prizes at Yubileiny Sports Palace. Then, on Nevsky, the city’s main street, they march to the cheers of thousands of fans and spectators.

Check with your travel agency for schedules and tourist info, or contact the St. Petersburg Russian Federation’s official sites, www.petersburgcity.com and www.bandfest.ru