“The festival went off smoothly and in a pleasant atmosphere. The calm and at times very sunny weather over the weekend got people out and about and put them in a relaxed summer mood. Discussions related to the festival’s theme of Freedom got people thinking, while the concerts, children’s programme, and other activities lifted the spirits. The new venue’s visual appeal and versatility, with its indoor and outdoor spaces, drew praise”, says the festival’s Communications Manager Nelli Korpi.
On Bio Rex Speaker’s Stage, the highlights included powerful speeches by Farnaz Abdoli and Teivo Teivainen, an interview with Walden Bello, the programme Journalistic freedom in conflict zones, and the documentary film Gaza’s Silent Threat along with a related interview with James Elder. Talks and discussions inspired the festival audience to give loud applause and engage in further discussions with the speakers.
Music Stage at Lasipalatsi Square was buzzing with energy, especially during the performances by Aizhan Sultan and the French-Colombian Ëda Diaz. Congolese Kizaba and Vodou Fusion got the crowd dancing. The final act on Sunday, Jamila & The Other Heroes, had the crowd singing along in solidarity with Palestine.
People of all ages were out and about, and children enjoyed the Kids’ Corner at Luckan as well as the hills of Lasipalatsi Square. The Kamppi chapel, which offered panel discussions, workshops, yoga, music, and relaxation, was a popular spot. Funky Amigos’ terrace party and YMCA Peace & Sport kept the cheerful atmosphere going.
The festival’s nearly 90 exhibitors at Narinkka Square, Mauno Koivisto Square, and Bio Rex attracted visitors. The stands and tents offered plenty of creative activities and engaging content. The lack of food vendors was mentioned in the feedback.
Please respond the visitor or stakeholder survey
World Village Festival will be held again in May 2027. We are developing the festival and hope to receive plenty of feedback. Visitors can provide feedback via the visitor survey until May 24. By responding, you can win a Pelago bike. We hope that festival exhibitors, partners, programme producers, and other stakeholders will respond to stakeholder survey by June 1. Movie tickets will be raffled off among respondents.
Additional information, interview requests, and photos
The media is free to use the photos taken at the festival, remember to use photographer’s name and festival’s name.
Communications Manager Nelli Korpi, nelli.korpi@fingo.fi, +358 50 317 6698
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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 was organised in the Centre on Helsinki, Lasipalatsi District and Narinkka Square 16–17 May 2026 with Freedom as its theme. The festival’s core values are diversity, inspiration, equality, responsibility, and community spirit. Organised by Finnish Development NGOs Fingo, the main partners are the European Commission Representation in Finland and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Finland, Finn Church Aid and Maailman Kuvalehti magazine.
