The program of the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival this year is a puzzle of 1800 performances, with the special feature being the strong commitment of many favorite artists to the festival. True fans have a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the many roles of their favorite performers in complete peace and quiet. Antti Paalanen They will be seen on Saturday before the final arena concert of the entire festival with their family orchestra. Tuliterän as well as the Friday 30th anniversary celebration Triangle of curls-with the band. (Photo: Eric-Van-Nieuwland)
Sculptor Maija Kauhanen He will be featured in many roles during the event week, bringing his musician friend and instrument builder to Kaustinen’s stage. Both Paalanen and Kauhanen will also be available to meet the audience at the morning discussions in the Pelimannitalo café. Other audience favorites on Thursday include Evening, On Friday Steve ’n’ Seagulls as well as on Saturday Vilma Jää and Helmi Marleena.
What kind of puzzle has been in your hands when you have been building the entire week's program script, program director Anne-Mari Hakamäki?
– It’s quite a daring operation, considering there are 1800 performances to be considered. This spring it started to feel early that we have really many strong themes that it’s easy to build entire productions around, Anne-Mari Hakamäki says.
– The craftsmanship comes to the fore in a spectacular way when the world’s largest gathering of national costumes is captured in a photograph on Thursday in front of Pelimannitalo. The historical collective image is also welcomed by the costumes and unisex outfits that have been tailored for this occasion.
Behind the festival spirit are also a number of esteemed guests and international event influencers. They discussed the future of Finland in five seminars at the Kansantaitekeskus center. On Friday, the Minister of Culture and Science will discuss cultural security, among others. Mari-Leena Talvitie, Director General of the Finnish Museum Authority Kimmo Levä, Secretary General of KULTA ry Rosa Meriläinen and the Rector of the University of the Arts Kaarlo Hildén.
Again, a record number of game entries
A record number of performers – about 6,000 musicians, singers and dancers – may also mean a record number of spectators, especially if and when the weather looks favorable. Managing Director Valtteri Valo waiting for the festival week with calm composure in Central Ostrobothnia.
– The number of people is always a positive problem. Even a possible rain wouldn’t bother us, because almost all the stages are under the roof. Even though all possible accommodation options are available, there is always a place for a tent and the popularity of camping has clearly increased. In addition, the audience has learned to use the festival bus very well, Valtteri Valo thanks.
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The Iranian-Oulu-based Nova Ensemble is one of the first performers at the festival week. Their performance opens the PH Nordgren hall on Monday evening as a free event. Photo: Arina Lykova
The festival buses shuttled non-stop throughout the entire week directly from the festival gate to the accommodation locations, the center of Kokkola, and the railway station. The bus service is available every two hours every day until the early evening. The festival bus will operate already on Sunday, July 12, to facilitate the arrival of long-distance festival guests.
The free Monday is already traditionally part of the festival’s value, and in the coming years the open doors on the first day will make it possible. OP Jokilaaksot. The spectacular opening parade will then pass through Kaustinen city center and arrive at the KPO arena for the opening ceremony starting at 17:30. There, the new champion musicians will be announced, the news awaited by the entire Finnish folk music community.
The suspense drama of the first week, the Konsta Jylhä competition, starts on Monday at Pelimannitalo, and almost all the stages have programs during the evening. Cafes, restaurants, and other services are open late into the evening.
See here festival bus schedules