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Attending the event were the heads of state and government who had arrived to take part in the celebrations of the city’s 300th anniversary.

Addressing the guests gathered on the Palace Embankment Vladimir Putin publicly confessed his love for the northern capital and his deep respect for its rich history and traditions.

Throughout its existence St Petersburg was built in spite of various obstacles and adverse weather, and developed dynamically as a centre of trade, science and culture, always remaining a symbol of renewal, a symbol of Russia as part of Europe.

Today, too, the city is playing an important role in the economic, social and political life of the country and the whole continent and is one of Europe’s cultural capitals lying at the intersection of many trade routes.

The President congratulated all the people of St Petersburg on the holiday and wished them happiness and prosperity.

After the President’s speech a colourful theatrical performance took place on the Neva River. The 18th-19th century ships flying the flags of the participating countries sailed by. Among the ships was the Standard, a replica of Peter the Great’s famous sailing boat. Accompanying the demonstration of ships were military bands from Russia, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Belarus and Ukraine.