The entire city turns into a stage during the Great Nocturnal Happening on 8th of August
23.7.2019
On Thursday, 8th of August, The Great Nocturnal Happening takes over the entire city of Tampere. Streets, market squares, churches, clubs, and museums are filled with events during the day and the evening. This year, over 90 participants organise a total of 207 events and shows in 66 different places or venues. Most of the events are free of charge.
The Great Nocturnal Happening, established in 1990, is part of the Tampere Theatre Festival, which is organized this year between 5 – 11 of August.
Daytime events for the children
During the day there are several exhibitions, music and dance presentations suitable for the whole family. In the heart of the city a clown band entertains children at 5 pm in the Pikku Kakkonen children’s park. Circus Ruska festival offers shows for families as well: At Tullikamari square, Simon Llewellyn from Ireland performs his acrobatic show called We Are The Champions. In front of the Hotel Torni, Circus Ruska Festival presents their contemporary circus show called Väliaikaista (Temporary).
Fresh programme by returning event organizers
Almost all of the museums of Tampere consistently take part in The Great Nocturnal Happening. So they do this year as well with a variety of exhibitions and tours, for example with a deep dive into mysterious vampire myths in Vapriikki Museum.
Alexander Church organizes a sing-along event filled with well-known Finnish songs. At the Central Square, the Old Church acts as the venue for a charity concert called Safka Aid (Food Aid).
One of the highlights of the evening is a fire show by Flamma, spreading out their impressive performance around the Näsinpuisto Park. The last event of the night takes place at the Observatory of Tampere where you can enjoy the starry August night.
Music, poetry, and dance
In the evening, various restaurants and clubs are filled with performances and concerts. At the bar Jack the Rooster, the young and upcoming band Flanelli plays catchy, loving pop tunes. Bar K offers two great performances, as the pantomime duo Plip’n Bob and the jazzish duo Billie Joelina take the stage respectively. Tullikamari’s Klubi has a whole evening show prepared, with performances of Bollywood dance and rap-music, to mention a few. The party goes on late into the night with a DJ securing the groove.
Spectators welcomed to join the action
In many of the events of The Great Nocturnal Happening, the spectators are welcome to join the activities. Tampere Roller Derby puts on a party at a Roller Disco, where you can try out dancing with rollerblades. Dancing of the more traditional type can be found at shopping centre Koskikeskus, where dance club Hurmio organizes an open city dance for everyone. In the evening, salsa association Azúcar sets up their yearly salsa event at the Tullikamari Square.
The tea store Veiström has a fun Teacup Race where you need to balance a fully filled teacup while running an obstacle course. At the Finlayson Art Area, you can take part in an exciting sound walk where sound experts lead you to listen to the sounds of the city. And finally, when in Tampere, the sauna capital of the world, you simply must go to a sauna. For example Rajaportin Sauna and the Artteli community venue have their public saunas open during the day and the night.
The whole programme can be found (in Finnish) here.