Finland’s national broadcaster Yle to celebrate 100th anniversary with major Helsinki concert

Finland’s public broadcaster Yle will mark its centenary with a large-scale celebration at Helsinki Arena on September 5, featuring performances by popular artists and showcasing the broadcaster’s most iconic programs, Yle Uutiset reports.

Founded in 1926, Yle will host Yle 100 Arena, an event blending live music, television history, and family entertainment. The celebration begins at 11:00 with a bilingual children’s concert co-hosted by Pikku Kakkonen and BUU-klubben, featuring characters like Nalle, Leikki-Heikki, and the Pikku Kakkosen Leikkiorkesteri.

The main event, Yle 100 Show (19:00–20:30), will highlight Yle’s legacy with segments from programs such as Puoli seitsemän, Elämäni Biisi, and Viki ja Köpi Show. Musical performances include Hector, JVG, Maria Ylipää, and Anna Puu, backed by an orchestra led by Kalle Torniainen. The show will be hosted by Sonja Kailassaari, Mikko Kekäläinen, and Jenni Poikelus.

The evening concludes with RSO Metalliklassikot (21:00–22:00), where the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO) performs reimagined versions of classic Finnish metal songs. Vocalists include Antti Hyyrynen (Stam1na), Noora Louhimo (ex-Battle Beast), Marko Hietala (Tarot, ex-Nightwish), and others.

Tickets go on sale May 12 at 09:00, with proceeds donated to charity. The event will be broadcast live on Yle TV1, Yle Areena, and Yle Radio 1, with the children’s concert also airing on Yle TV2.

Yle’s CEO, Marit af Björkesten, described the event as a culmination of the broadcaster’s year-long centenary celebrations, emphasizing its role in fostering shared cultural experiences.