This Midsummer’s Eve, Hesperia park near Töölö Bay will get a new outfit for the midsummer period by Midsummer Madness. A tree library and a creative family area are part of this temporary scenography experiment, inviting worry-free get-togethers. The scenography is inspired by Moominvalley’s playful and creative atmosphere and can be enjoyed for ten days long.
Hesperian park gets a festive midsummer decoration built together with Helsinki locals. The 10-day scenography experiment proposes a new perspective on the park’s meeting, playing and relaxing potential, mostly built from upcycled used materials. The scenography invites for safe togetherness, and respect and highlight the bay area’s gorgeous nature. Inspired by Moominvalley, the participative environment can be experienced from Midsummer’s Eve until the 4th of July.
Tree library, live concerts and more
Carpenter Antti Nousiainen (wood workshop Kuvionisti) creates a tree library around a living tree, filled with books. While central library Oodi is closed during midsummer, the park provides a relaxed and atmospheric reading area in the shade of the trees, with books in many languages. Picnic facilities and seating are constructed, the playground is made more playful and a literary Moomin exhibition is built to the area.
“The most important thing is that people can start meeting again. That’s why we want to create a nicer meeting space for people, inspired by local nature and that ideal community called Moominvalley. I feel like society could use some creativity and playfulness now. It’s great when people underwrite that vision and volunteer to build it together,” comments creative producer Jeroen Sebrechts.
A set of live concerts will also be organized on Midsummer’s Eve at the Helsinki Music Centre’s terrace. Musicians from the Sibelius Academy will perform different genres:
- 2 pm Jazz by Musti Trio
- 3 pm baroque music by flautist Livia Schweitzer and accordionist Manca Dornik
- 4 pm South-American vibes by Solisee
- 5 pm banger pop songs by Antti Saari