Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the sustainable development festival, World Village Festival, has published the first part of its programme. The admission free event will take place in Suvilahti, Helsinki on 24-25 May and will feature Palestinian DAM, Syrian-French Sarab and a theme concert Sound of Peace featuring Elsi Sloan, Samuli Putro, Emma & Matilda, Nemat Battah, Ramy Essam and Vimma.
– This year’s festival theme is Peace. We want to take a strong stand for peace both in the world and in Finland. The Peace theme has inspired both performers and exhibitors, so the 30th anniversary of the festival is shaping up to be a great one, says Nelli Korpi, the festival’s Communications Manager.
The family-oriented festival includes international and local concerts, talks and discussions based around the Peace theme, children’s programme, workshops, activities for young people, art and other experiences. At the heart of the admission free event is a trade fair with exhibitors; NGOs, street kitchens, bazaar vendors and other organisations who will showcase their work for peace and a better world, selling ethical products and delicious food from around the world.
– We will continue the vegetarian policy started last year, which means that all food sold at the festival will be vegetarian. All food vendors will also have vegan options for sale, and in addition we will favour local, organic and fairtrade products. The dozens of food vendors will be announced in the spring,” Korpi continues.
The Sound of Peace concert will support the work of peace organisations
World Village Festival will be opened by the Sound of Peace concert, featuring Elsi Sloan, Samuli Putro, Emma & Matilda, Nemat Battah, Ramy Essam and house band Vimma. The proceeds from the fundraising organised with the concert will be donated to peace organisations, which are under threat by the Finnish government’s extensive cuts. Elsi Sloan and Samuli Putro reflect on the theme and their own role in peace work:
– Don’t even all dictators claim to be for peace but is there peace without demanding it in a fair and solidary way for all? wonders Elsi Sloan, the musician-actor-activist who will host the concert.
– What peace work has meant to me: working for Sivari & Totaali magazine, civil disobedience, demonstrations, peace camps and the firm belief in the future of a young person. More recently it has been about being in touch with the environment through music, says musician Samuli Putro.
Among the international artists at the festival, the Syrian-French Sarab combines modern jazz, rock and traditional Middle Eastern music. The group has become one of the most popular bands on the Paris jazz scene. They have been playing together for ten years, released two albums and toured all over Europe.
The first ever Palestinian hip-hop group, DAM has been a pioneer and influencer in the Middle East music scene for over two decades. The band’s opinionated lyrics address the everyday lives of Palestinians, human rights and gender equality.
Organised by Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, the main partners of World Village Festival are the European Commission Representation in Finland and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Finland, Finn Church Aid and Maailman Kuvalehti magazine. More programme will be published in March.
Table stands to large tents
The festival offers a wide range of stands for exhibitors: large and small tents, food and bazaar stands and table spaces in the Market of Opportunities. An interesting return will be made by Open Finland Theme Tent, which will showcase services specifically aimed at new Finns. Exhibitor registration is open until 27 February. If you have already registered as an exhibitor, you will receive more information from us in March.
World Village Festival on theme Peace 24.–25.5.2025 in Suvilahti, Helsinki. Join! Act! Change!
More information
Communications: Nelli Korpi, nelli.korpi@fingo.fi, +358 50 317 6698
Programme: Johanna Eurakoski, johanna.eurakoski@fingo.fi, +358 50 317 6696
Exhibitors: Laura Valoma, laura.valoma@fingo.fi, +358 50 317 6742
Cooperation: Marjo Martin, marjo.martin@fingo.fi, +358 50 317 6694
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World Village Festival is Finland’s leading event for global action for the whole family, an admission free cultural festival, and a trade fair for sustainable development. The event will be organised in the Suvilahti event venue, Helsinki 24–25 May 2025 with Peace as its theme.
