It's party time in St Petersburg this summer, as Russia's great maritime city marks its 300th anniversary. All the stops have been pulled out to ensure President Putin's birthplace gets the celebration it deserves. Purse strings have been generously extended, the city centre extensively restored and, of course, a whole host of special events lined up. The birthday festivities also look set to add even more spectacle to the city's most unusual annual attraction: the natural phenomenon of the 'white nights'. For a few days in June each year, the sun never sets on St Petersburg and thousands of revellers take to the streets to party under the midnight sun in the world's most northern city. After Russia's long, dark winter, the city's residents make the most of these days on which night never falls, finding release in the non-stop activities and excitement.