In early summer, Tampere city centre will host an exceptional cultural day as Laikunlava Stage and Kirjastonpuisto park are filled with music, dance, art and flavours from around the world. Now in its fourth year, the Laikku and the Whole World festival showcases what Tampere already is in everyday life: diverse, international and constantly evolving.
"Laikku and the Whole World is a great platform for showcasing local expertise and the diversity of cultures in Tampere. Events that highlight the city’s different communities are an important part of building Tampere for everyone", says Jaakko Laurila, Programme Manager of the Tampere for All development programme.
At the heart of the event is a line-up that crosses genres, bringing both international influences and local expertise to the Laikunlava Stage. The programme, however, extends well beyond performances. Visitors can sample dishes ranging from Nepal to Ethiopia and from Mexico to the Middle East at the food market. A wide range of organisations, artisans and community groups will also take part in the festivities, highlighting Tampere’s multicultural everyday life.
There is also plenty for children: the Children’s Cultural Centre Rulla offers multilingual theatre and workshops. The day begins at Rulla with The Gardeners, a performance that playfully combines languages and cultures.
One of the most anticipated acts of the afternoon is Indaba, an energetic group formed by two multi-instrumentalists and a Finnish champion breakdancer. Their performance blends powerful vocals, dance and playful rhythms into multilingual storytelling. Drawing on Tanzanian traditions and hip-hop culture, the show invites the audience to reflect on identity and multiculturalism – and to participate.
Another highlight is 67 x Naked, a performative jazz ensemble known for its surprising, improvisation-based performances. Each show is created in the moment, as the energy of jazz from the 1920s–40s meets free expression, dance and performance art. The result is a vibrant, constantly evolving experience that resists stylistic boundaries.
Taking audiences further afield is Sounds of South America, whose members come from Argentina, Chile, Cuba and Finland. Their repertoire is a musical “buffet” featuring traditional songs and classics from Colombia, Peru and the Caribbean. The performance offers a fast-track journey into the heart of Latin American music – no plane ticket required.
The programme also includes Sankalana Dance Club, specialising in traditional Sri Lankan dance, as well as IX:UNE Dance Crew, who bring K-pop and T-pop (Thai pop) dance choreography to the stage. The atmosphere is further shaped by DJ Dr. Smeđi Šećer, who moves effortlessly between jazz, soul, funk, disco and folk.
The evening continues with a free afterparty at G Livelab, where rising soul artist Emilia Sisco will perform. The afterparty also features DJ Dr. Smeđi Šećer and the event’s host Suna Mikkola.
The event is organised by the City of Tampere Public Cultural Services in cooperation with the Tampere for All development programme and G Livelab.
