Turku – European Capital of Culture – is laying on a banquet of cultural treats for the summer months; treats plentiful and sumptuous enough to satisfy locals and visitors alike.
In fact, there will be so much culture you probably won't be able to fit it all in. The city's already well-known and vibrant cultural scene has been further enriched by the expansive programme for 2011, which includes many unique events and exhibitions. Logomo – Turku's new arts and exhibition centre is open every day, but you'll also find ample amounts of culture inhabiting every city suburb and extending out to the archipelago.
May sees street culture take over the banks of the River Aura. From England to Turku comes the Eurocultured Street Festival, bringing skateboarders, aficionados of hip-hip and graffiti artists together to create art to which everyone can contribute.
(Link to another website.)(Opens New Window)A vampire circus will also come to town this summer. Cirque Dracula tells the story of a vampire in love and will be staged in a Spiegeltent in Mannerheimin puisto. The international band of circus artists, many of whom have performed with the Cirque du Soleil, interpret the story through breathtaking acrobatic set pieces. The Circus theme will continue in the ten-day Future Circus Festival, which culminates in a performance of The Elements high above the River Aura on the Night of the Ancient Bonfires.
That same weekend in August will be one of the highlights of the Capital of Culture year. Opera will be staged in the courtyard of Turku Castle and jazz will be played in front of Suomen Joutsen – a grand old sailing ship. Suomen Joutsen will be joined by more modest and even grander sailing ships when the Tall Ships' races glides along the River Aura before being moored for the public to admire.
For more information please read the summer events calendar below and check the online calendar for the latest information:
