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.
World Village raises global challenges and solutions, increases people’s understanding and provides concrete ways to take action to create change. World Village brings people together, because only together we can change the world. Festival’s core values are diversity, inspiration, equality, responsibility and communality.
World Village Festival has been organized since 1995 and gathers thousands of people yearly. The main organizer is Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, which is an umbrella organization for approximately 250 development organizations. Read more about the festival’s history.
Safer space for everyone
The festival and all of its digital channels are safe spaces, and any inappropriate behaviour or harassment is forbidden. Inappropriate comments are not allowed and will be removed from all social media channels. World Village Festival will provide access to the services of a Harassment Contact Person in case of any incidents of harassment. Read more.
Forbidden items
All such objects and substances described as prohibited by law. In addition to this:
- Tools, knives, hammers, pliers, etc., without accreditation
- Poles over a meter long, telescopic rods, etc.
- Umbrellas
- Compressed air horns and other mechanical/electrical noise-producing devices
- Laser pointers and radio transmitters etc. electrical equipment
- Flares, smoke, fireworks, etc
- Racist or degrading texts or images
- Disposable grills and fire-making equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the festival have an admission fee?
No. Entrance to the festival area is free.
Does the festival have an age limit?
Most of the festival’s programme is open to everyone regardless of age.
Where should I enquire about lost property?
Lost property can be inquired from the festival sites and the info. On Monday after the festival, they will be delivered to Lost and Found Office. The office is open weekdays from 10-20, Saturdays 10-19, and Sundays 12-18. The Lost and Found Office is authorized to hold passports, ID cards, and driver’s licenses for 3 days before forwarding them to the police.
Is the festival accessible?
The entire festival area is barrier-free and open to all.
Does the festival account for its carbon footprint?
Yes. Read more about the festival’s environmental work and carbon footprint on the Environment page.
Is it ok to do face-to-face promotion or distribute flyers?
Face-to-face promotion or handing out flyers in the festival area is only permitted by separate agreement.
Who organises the festival?
The festival is hosted by Fingo ry, an umbrella organisation for 250 CSOs and an expert organisation in the field of development. Fingo is funded through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation appropriations. The event is also supported by the City of Helsinki and the Swedish Cultural Foundation.
World Village Festival is an excellent opportunity to get to know Fingo and its member organisations. The festival’s exhibitors include lots of NGOs as well as other organisations.
For a more sustainable and just world
World Village Festival is a sustainable development event open for all. Festival is organized by Fingo, so that life would be better – for everyone.
