The façade of the Hervanta Leisure Centre will be illuminated with colourful architectural lighting, while light projections will brighten Valtaraitti and the area in front of Youth Centre Hehku. An interactive shadow-play installation invites visitors to become part of the artwork themselves. Between the leisure centre and Lake Ahvenisjärvi, warmly glowing lanterns will be suspended among the trees. The installations have been designed by the Design Studio of WSP Finland Oy in collaboration with the City of Tampere and local partners.
The festival has been created together with the people of Hervanta. Young people from the area have contributed artwork that will feature in both the projections and the lantern designs throughout the winter season of 2026–2027. This year's theme focuses on having a voice and on equality, exploring the issues that matter most to young people and the matters on which they wish to be heard. The theme also marks the 120th anniversary of universal and equal suffrage in Finland.
The aim of the Hervanta Festival of Light is not only to illuminate buildings and public spaces but also to make light something that can be experienced and interacted with. Visitors can play with shadows, discover projections along familiar routes and see local artwork and ideas become part of the urban landscape. During the darkest months of the year, the centre of Hervanta will be transformed into a vibrant environment of light, creativity and community participation.
The opening celebration of the Hervanta Festival of Light will take place on Friday 23 October 2026 at 6 pm at the Hervanta Leisure Centre. The evening's programme features a spectacular LED light show by Flamma, where light, movement and music come together to create an immersive autumn experience. The event will be opened by Youth Leader Aleksandr Lihatsov from the City of Tampere and Annukka Larsen, designer of the Hervanta Festival of Light at WSP Finland Oy.
The free opening event invites visitors of all ages to experience the atmosphere of light art and celebrate the launch of the first-ever Hervanta Festival of Light. The event is organised by the City of Tampere Public Cultural Services. The light installations will remain on display until 28 February 2027.
Partners of the Hervanta Festival of Light
