Free concert in the park draws crowd of 55,000

Warm summer weather expected to last at least until Wednesday

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Tens of thousands of people gathered yesterday in Helsinki's Kaivopuisto Park to enjoy a free concert in perfect summer weather. A hot sunny day attracted an estimated crowd of 55,000 into the park, where a sea of blankets and picnic baskets and drinks and sweaty happy people covered the grassy hills and dells in front of the stage.
      A row of ethnic food-stands of various sorts decorated one side of the stage, with everything from spring rolls to grilled sausages and fries on offer.
      A small supermarket on wheels had also found its way to the edge of the festival area.
     
Various Finnish music acts, such as Neljä Ruusua, Poets of the Fall, Kwan, Don Johnson Big Band, Uniklubi, Indica, Suurlähettiläät, Ninja, and a couple of surprise guests perfected the sun-worshippers' day with their performances.
      The event started at one o'clock and lasted until seven in the evening.
      According to the police, the entire happening went off without major incidents or disturbances.
      The concert was organised by the Radio Nova radio station.
     
An aerobatics show was also seen in the sky just before the concert. The Red Bull Air Race planes were piloted by Sami Kontio of Finland, Kirby Chambliss of the USA, and Klaus Schrodt of Germany.
      The concert itself has become one of the must-do traditions of the Helsinki summer. It has been organised on the second weekend of June every summer since 1985. This year it fortunately coincided with the first really warm day of the summer.
      The weather forecast for this week promises more of the same, with the official "hot" barrier of 25&3176;C expected to be broken up and down the country on Tuesday and Wednesday.


Links:
  Finnish Meteorological Institute

Helsingin Sanomat