Unwelcome rain showers looming over Helsinki Night of the Arts

The 19th celebration of the Night of the Arts - part of the annual Helsinki Festival - is to be held tonight, Friday. The event boasts more than 200 events for all ages in the city centre and suburbs, and is likely to draw a large audience.
      However,Senior Meteorologist Sari Hartonen of the Finnish Meteorological Institute reports that rain showers are likely, particularly early in the evening, with a small possibility of thunder.
     
This is bad news, particularly for those who are looking forward to seeing the unique spectacle entitled The Field by the Australian troupe Strange Fruit. This head-spinning and hypnotic performance high above the street on 4-metre poles will not be seen if the predicted light showers turn into heavy rain.
      "It would be too dangerous to come down on wet poles. We are no longer taking any risks, as injuries have happened before", said Grant Moulder, the director of the performance.
     
The spectators close to the performance can watch the show almost from below the acrobats who are swinging high above them.
      Moulder revealed that the performers will be testing the equipment between 4.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m., once the poles have been erected.
      The actual performances will take place by the Parliament building at 7.00 p.m., 10 p.m., and at midnight.
     
To play it safe, one should probably aim for one of the late-night performances. Moreover, it might be a good idea to take warm clothes along, as the predicted showers are likely to send the the temperature skidding downwards from +20°C to around +10°C in the late evening.
     
Police are prepared to close the stretch of Mannerheimintie in front of the Parliament building during the performances, if the street gets crowded.
      "According to our calculations, there is room for some 5,000 people", notes Chief Inspector Teuvo Saikkonen.
      Moreover, the number of officers on foot patrol will be increased, particularly in the city centre.
      The Night of the Arts resembles another Finnish traditional event, Vappu or May Eve, Saikkonen says, and advises people to leave their cars at home and to use public transport services.
      Details of late bus, tram, and train services are available (in Finnish) from the linked sites below, and the evening's programme can be had from the Helsinki Festival site.

More on this subject:
 UPDATED SATURDAY: Record crowds turn out for Night of the Arts

Previously in HS International Edition:
  Good Night, Helsinki! Night of the Arts in the capital on Thursday (23.8.2006)

Links:
  Night of the Arts
  2007 Helsinki Festival
  Strange Fruit
  Finnish Railways - additional local rail services on 24.8. (in Finnish)
  Helsinki City Transport (in Finnish)