Two sold-out Tampere festivals offer sharply different experiences

Tampere is hosting two sold-out festivals less than two kilometres apart, with hip-hop event Blockfest taking place alongside the indie-oriented Festivaali, Yle reports. The festivals were previously held at different times, but this weekend they are running simultaneously.

Yle visited both events on Friday to compare their atmosphere, visitors, clothing, food and activities.

Two different worlds

Moving between the festivals feels like entering two different worlds. Blockfest is an urban event in the heart of the city, while Festivaali is surrounded by green nature in the Pyynikki ridge landscape.

Both festivals are intended for people aged 18 and over, but Festivaali attracts a noticeably wider range of ages. Most Blockfest visitors are people in their twenties and other young adults.

The festivals also differ significantly in size. Blockfest in Ratina usually attracts 80,000 visitors, while tickets for Festivaali in Pyynikki have been sold to about 10,000 people.

Blockfest has grown considerably since it was established in 2008. Festivaali is newer, having been held for the first time four years ago. Its artistic director, Aki Roukala, has said the event is deliberately being kept small.

Police worked with the Blockfest organisers in the Ratina area. From the police perspective, Friday passed peacefully despite the large number of people moving around.

Hiphop influences and colourful outfits

Hiphop culture is visible in the clothing worn by Blockfest visitors. Mini-shorts and boots are a popular combination among women, and the sunny afternoon was warm enough for light clothing.

Eeva Alatalo, 20, from Lapua, said her outfit was inspired by hip-hop culture and sport. Elias Pesola, 19, from Riihimäki, had customised his own jeans and built a black-and-red outfit around them.

Vilma Honkala, 25, from Helsinki, wore a pink crocheted poncho she had made herself. She said she loves pink and has also used the colour in her home.

At Festivaali, some visitors prepared for a cooler evening with woollen jumpers. Caps, scarves and other headwear were common, while a rain shower during the sunny Friday evening prompted many people to put on raincoats.

Neela Ruohoniemi, 19, from Vaasa, had bought her outfit from a handmade clothing shop in Japan. Kaisa Lallukka, 35, from Nakkila, said she loves colours and had chosen the most colourful outfit she could find in her wardrobe. Jarno Ruotsalainen had added the word “love” to his denim jacket because he wanted the text to be as striking as possible.

Food, drinks and activities

Many Festivaali visitors praised the food selection, which included stalls from familiar Tampere restaurants such as Hoax and Boulangerie Marco. Riesling was also selling well, alongside milder alcoholic drinks.

At Blockfest, many visitors carried cocktail buckets. The festival also offered food and drink stalls, games and tattoo services.

Festivaali had fewer activities, but visitors could sing karaoke and view comic art. Both events sold merchandise. At Blockfest, the sales point for the Vitunleija brand was particularly busy, while Festivaali’s most popular item was a rain poncho, followed by a long-sleeved shirt bearing the festival logo.

Tags: Tampere, Blockfest, Festivaali