Tampere Joins International Network of Festival Cities

Through this international network, Tampere gains new opportunities to build international partnerships, share and develop festival expertise, and enhance its reputation as an internationally appealing city of festivals and events.

Tampere’s membership in the EFFE Seal network is a step toward a more visible and influential role in the European festival scene. The membership is also part of the city’s long-term work as an event city and its close collaboration with Pirkanmaan festivaalit – Pirfest ry.

Approximately 40 different festivals are held annually in Tampere. Festivals are a central part of the city’s event activities and the broader experience economy. The experience economy also plays a key role in implementing Tampere’s strategy: it fosters community, well-being, vitality, and supports the regional economy – while reinforcing the city’s position as a pioneer in the fields of experience economy and cultural appeal.

Pirkanmaan festivaalit – Pirfest ry is a network of cultural festivals operating in the Pirkanmaa region, founded in 2009. The association includes 35 different cultural events and is the largest regional festival network in Finland. Its goal is to develop the operating conditions of festivals in Pirkanmaa and to promote events both domestically and internationally. Key themes include the multidisciplinary development of sustainability and responsibility in event operations, for example through training and development projects. The association also conducts annual visitor surveys and compiles statistics on visitor numbers and key financial figures of member events.