Paula Vesala (pictured), Aili Järvelä and Jutta Rahmel's concert was sold out on the first day of the Kaustinen Festival week at the Keskipohjanmaa Arena. Photo by Kimmo Känsälä / Kaustinen FMF
The hybrid folk music festival lived up to expectations and allowed the audience to experience live music and dance in addition to online participation. The diverse programme attracted interest not only from Finland but also from abroad.
The popularity of VirtuaaliKaustinen grew from last year, with a nationwide field of folk music and folk dance enthusiasts actively participating in the VirtuaaliKaustinen programme. A total of 170 groups submitted a total of 448 videos to the VirtuaaliKaustinen programme. The varied virtual programme also included live streaming of concerts, recitals and debates, masterclasses, children's programmes, workshops, lectures and tutorials, and international programmes, for a total virtual programme duration of over 104 hours.
A total of 26 public events were held in the Festival Park and Kaustinen Hall. A total of 3,741 tickets were sold for public events and virtual concerts, with a total attendance of 9,261.
Executive Director Valtteri Valo is satisfied with the week as planned: ”The participation of gamers in the VirtualCaustis exceeded expectations, both in terms of volume and quality. We are also grateful to the performers and the public for working together to make the event a success.”.
”We achieved our main objectives during the week, the celebration was carried out in accordance with the regulations of the authorities and applied to the prevailing conditions. We are looking ahead with confidence to next summer's celebrations, with preparations in full swing.” says the Chairman of the Board of Pro Kaustinen ry. Ira Korkala.
The next Kaustinen Folk Music Festival will take place at the Festival Park in one year from 11-17 July 2022.