Solstice festival sells over half its tickets abroad

The Solstice festival, held at the peak of Rukatunturi, has sold over half of its tickets to international visitors this year, according to advance sales figures reported by Yle.

Last year, international attendees made up about one-third of the crowd. The three-day event, now in its sixth edition, expects around 10,000 visitors.

Noise from the festival has previously drawn complaints, as sound from the four stages at the mountain’s summit carries widely. Organizers now monitor decibel levels three times daily to stay within limits.

Joni Stanley, the festival’s artistic director, confirmed that sound levels will be strictly controlled. “We’re constantly measuring and adjusting to ensure we stay within the set boundaries,” he said.

Juha-Matti Inget, an environmental inspector for Kuusamo, noted that past complaints led to stricter noise guidelines last year, which eliminated further issues. The updated rules require sound equipment to be positioned to minimize disruption to nearby residences and accommodations.

The festival, featuring nearly 70 acts, begins today and is part of Oulu 2026, the European Capital of Culture program.