(corrects date in lead)

RIGA, Aug 5 (LETA) - Riga will mark its 821st birthday on August 20 with a variety of festive events in the old town, including an out-of-tune singing festival, balcony concerts, cake competition and a picnic, the press service of Riga City Hall informed.

Dome Square in the old town will be the centerstage of the festive events. Long tables covered with white cloths will be installed around a stage on which a conductor will be inviting people to take part in the out-of-tune singing festival. Throughout the day, Latvian popular songwriter Raimonds Pauls' music will be performed in balcony concerts, and kids will be invited to join various activities in a specially designated area.

The Latvian capital city's tallest Toast Tower will be erected in City Hall Square. Rigans will be invited to climb the tower to propose toasts on the city's anniversary, with Mayor Martins Stakis expected to open the toast marathon. Meanwhile, musicians will be performing on the City Hall's balconies and acrobats will be walking tightropes strung between rooftops.

The events planned in the old towns also include "traveling concerts", cake and laughing competition, poetry readings, a contest of tourist guides and other exciting activities.

Organizers are asking participants to bring their own food for the picnic.