British Latvian Association
Cultural, historical and topical events for anyone interested in Latvia and its links with the United Kingdom
Members of the British Latvian Association (BLA) share a deep sense of connection to Latvia and its rich cultural heritage.
Our talks are delivered in English, by experts in their field, exploring Latvia’s fascinating history, culture, geo-politics and long-standing links with the UK.
Whether you are a Latvian expatriate, have Latvian heritage, or simply have an interest in Latvia, you are welcome to join us as a friend to attend our online and in-person events.
Please also consider becoming a member to help support our work. We are entirely funded by our members.
Upcoming Events
Rundāle Palace
with Dr.art Laura Lūse
25th March 2026 from 18:00 GMT (20:00 EET)
An online event over Zoom
Open to members and friends of the BLA.
Rundāle Palace is a magnificent 18th-century Baroque and Rococo palace in southern Latvia, famous for its architecture by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli and extensive French-style gardens. It serves as a museum and a major tourist destination.
Since becoming the Director of The Rundāle Palace Museum in January 2019, Dr. Laura Lūse has overseen extensive renovations of the palace, it’s gardens and environment.
Laura gained her PhD from the Art Academy of Latvia, and prior to become Director at Rundāle was a lecturer, head of art research and expert consultant to the govenment on the protection and restoration of Latvia’s art heritage.
Alcohol in Latvia
with Chris Moseley
15th April 2026 from 18:00 GMT (20:00 EET)
An online event over Zoom
Open to members and friends of the BLA.
Chris will talk about Latvia’s rich tradition of brewing and distilling and the part those traditions have played in the wider culture.
Born in Australia in 1950, Chris is a freelance translator into English from Estonian, Finnish, Latvian, and the Scandinavian languages. He has translated numerous Estonian short stories and three novels, including The Man Who Spoke Snakish.
Chris currently lives in the UK and teaches Estonian and Latvian at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London.
Pre-Christian Baltic Religion & Belief
with Dr. Francis Young
20th May 2026 from 19:00 GMT (21:00 EET)
Note the change from our usual time.
This is a joint online event over Zoom with our friends at the British Lithuanian Society
Open to members and friends of the BLA.
Dr. Francis Young will talk to members of the BLA and the BLS about his recent books and research into Pre-Christian beliefs in the Baltic region.
A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Francis teaches courses on history, myth and religion for the Department for Continuing Education in the University of Oxford.
He broadcasts regularly on folkloric and religious subjects for the BBC, and has twice been shortlisted for the prestigious Katharine Briggs Folklore Award awarded annually by the UK Folklore Society.
Coming later in 2026
Details of other BLA events, including further talks in the 2026 program, will be announced here.
Events in the pipeline but yet to be confirmed include:
The BLA Summer Party
A talk by Kathy Leach, His Majesties Ambassador to Latvia
Monthly, usually last Thursday in the month
at 18:00 GMT/BST (20:00 EET/EEST)
Online events over Zoom
Open to members and friends of the BLA
Join Us
All of our events are free to attend. You can become a Friend of the British Latvian Association (BLA) simply by registering your interest and attending any of our regular online or in person events.
All of the costs of our activities are met entirely by our members, who get advance notice of events, access to the BLA’s newsletter Blāzma and invitations to any “members only” events such as our seasonal parties and recent visit to see the Latvian Collection at the British Library.
Membership is priced at £20 per person, per year (£10 for students)