The last weekend of Turku 2011 was created with light and fire

About 15,000 artists, workers, and volunteers have taken part in implementing the Turku Capital of Culture year. All the people who have participated in the events of the year have also for their part been involved in the building of the successful year. It has been time for acknowledgements and thanks.

All Turku residents were invited to celebrate the Capital of Culture year Thank you weekend 17 - 18 December, which was organised on the banks of the River Aura, which have become the pulsating heart of our city and its culture. The acknowledgement weekend consisted of suitable for Yuletide, heart warming pieces of atmosphere.

- Turku's year as the European Capital of Culture has been filled with joy, successes and activity. Thousands of events have brought a sense of new beginning to our city. Culture has found a new place in our minds and hearts. Thank you all for your stong support. Thank you for making this year festivity for everyone, thanked Christoffer Taxell, Chairman of the Turku 2011 Foundation.

The main theme of the weekend was light with a touch of music, dance, and fire art

Saturday 17 December the banks of the River Aura bathed in celebratory lights designed by light artist Kari Kola. In the Bridge of Light light work, fires and lights illuminate the Teatterisilta Bridge, Hämähäkkitontti, Samppalinnanmäki Hill and the trees that line the river. The audio landscape included in the work was implemented by Janne and Eero Auvinen.

The entire light installation Bridge of Light is in place for the duration of the weekend. The illumination of the Teatterisilta Bridge and the trees will continue until the beginning of January, that is, 2 January.

In connection with lighting the light installation on Saturday, there were also be a performance by aerial acrobat Heidi Sadonkorpi in the Hämähäkkitontti cave, as well as improvised dance on the Teatterisilta bridge. The residents were served mulled wine at 2011 Corner. Over 1,300 visitors stopped by to say thank you and reminisce the year.

Small scale circus performances and choirs delighted residents on the banks of the River Aura between Kristiinankatu 1 and Varvintori Square. The choirs included, e.g. the Mixed Choir Kulkuset, Naskalit, and the Choir of Turku Policewomen. The stage areas for the choirs were 2011 Kulma, Marina Palace, Vaakahuone, Föri, and Varvintori Square.

At 6 pm, the artwork Mater marium by Tarja Ervasti, was unveiled. The artwork built around a harbour crane located on the Varvintori Square at the opening of the River Aura will remain a permanent memento of the Capital of Culture year. The artwork will later be complemented with a stone part, so the whole work will not be ready by 17 December. The unveiling of the crane artwork was preceded by the fire acrobatic show by the fire art group Kuumotus and circus students of Turku Arts Academy.

Turku - Capital of Culture 2011 wants to thank everybody for the successful year and offers a free entrance to the Logomo exhibitions on Sunday 18 December from 11 am to 7 pm.