Farewell to Tall Ships

The summer of culture culminated with masses of spectators

Spent in beautiful weather, the culmination weekend of the Summer of Culture held on the banks of the River Aura during four days attracted 350,000 visitors. The biggest single event was the Culture Tall Ships Regatta, accompanied by several other events of the Capital of Culture year.

One of the highlights of the weekend was Saturday's performance The Elements, which combined fire art and aerial acrobatics into a beautiful whole by and above the River Aura. Near the Theatre Bridge, up to 20, 000 spectators watched the performance, and the thrilled atmosphere was palpable. The Versus Circus group was behind the magnificent visual experience.

Before the performance, an Ancient Bonfire was lit on the River Aura, and it glided toward the sea, escorted by rowers. The symbolic gesture was part of the idea initiated by the Turku 2011 Foundation to add pledges to protect the Baltic Sea to the traditions of the Night of the Ancient Bonfires. Private citizens and cities have marked events and pledges in advance on a map on the Internet.

Already earlier on Saturday there was an opportunity to enjoy a genial atmosphere, when Emma Salokoski, Lenni-Kalle Taipale, and Jussu Pöyhönen jammed in front of the Swan of Finland together with the Navy Band, the Air Force Big Band, and the Conscript Band of the Finnish Defence Forces. The catching MILjazz concert was acknowledged by the audience, and the area of the Swan of Finland was an excellent concert venue.

During the weekend, other titbits were also served to the public. In the Sports Park, the new Dream Park area was presented with a programme for the whole family, on the Castle courtyard the folk opera Henrik and the Hammer of Witches was performed, and in the Castle park, Karita Mattila sang in the last Viva la Diva! concert.

The organisation of the events was completed according to plans, and without major congestion. According to information received from the police and security team, no serious disturbances occurred during the events.

The events of the summer of culture enjoyed extensive interest from the media, as well. Of the almost 150 journalists who visited Turku, about third were from abroad. Representatives of media arrived from the countries of Central Europe, Russia, and Great Britain in particular, but also from Italy and Spain, among others.

The journey of the Regatta sailed in honour of the Turku Capital of Culture year continued toward Gdynia in Poland. Despite the changeable weather on Sunday, thousands of people on the shores of Airisto and Ruissalo watched the ships set sail.