The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival was selected Festival of the Year 2025 at the Industry Awards gala held at Tampere Hall on Friday, September 26. The gala celebrated the most significant actors and achievements in the music industry as part of the Music x Media event.
The award reasoning stated that “The Festival of the Year has proven itself to be an exceptional and significant event that attracts a diverse audience and provides a safe and inclusive environment for celebrating music and culture. It combines tradition and modernity and strengthens intercultural understanding and community spirit. The festival's program, themes, and side events create a framework for unique encounters where both domestic and international participants can find inspiration and network. Thanks to its long-term efforts, the festival has become one of the most significant cultural events of the year, both in Finland and internationally."
The Kaustinen Festival and its program bring together thousands of visitors, hundreds of performers, and volunteers every year, creating a unique community atmosphere. The festival is known for both safeguarding and renewing the folk music tradition, and it is a celebration of music, dance, and cultural heritage that appeals to all ages.
This recognition is a wonderful tribute not only to our festival, but also to Finnish folk music, folk dance, and living cultural heritage as a whole. It shows that our cultural heritage is valued and that it is very much alive today," says Valtteri Valo, Executive Director of the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival.
The Festival of the Year award was chosen based on a 50/50 weighting of public votes and expert panel votes. Previous winners include Provinssi (2024) and Qstock (2023). The Industry Awards gala, held in conjunction with the Music x Media event, has been honoring music industry professionals and success stories since 1995.