28.7.2022 | Culture

Viljandi Folk Festival starts today

Text Mark Taylor
Photos Kärt Petser / Viljandi Folk Festival

The four-day-long Viljandi Folk has begun today. As well as music from domestic and foreign acts, there will also be workshops and several new learning and experience sharing formats that are new to the festival this year.

In addition, there are activities for sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and storytellers. The morning dance class where you can dance to live folk music on the beach of Lake Viljandi that received a warm welcome last year will return this year. Sportier festival visitors can also compete in petanque, running, and rowing.

At night, it is possible to participate in sunset and midnight tours. The beloved old formats have not gone anywhere either. Women’s singing groups at the Bonifacius Guild and men’s singing groups at Mulks wine bar will help wake visitors up in the mornings throughout the festival.

There is plenty on offer for kids too. There will be baby singing classes for the youngest festival goers, and playrooms. a handicraft yard, and activities for older children.

At night on both Friday and Saturday there will be a party at Kuusemäe with DJ-s Triin Niinemets, Karoliina Kreintaal, Lauri Täht, L.Eazy, Aimar Ventsel, and Harl:Etno performing.

The XXIX Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which will take place on July 28-31, will feature 18 foreign and more than 40 Estonian musicians or bands. The theme of the festival is “Roots and Treetops”, and alongside a very varied line-up of foreign performers and well-known Estonian musicians, you will enjoy numerous fresh and new collaborations, including some that have been put together, especially for the festival. For the first time, there will be a separate programme of author’s songs, and these concerts will take place on Friday and Saturday in St Paul’s Church.

This year, passes and day passes will be available for purchase. Individual tickets will not be sold for individual concerts, except for the author’s song programme in St Paul’s Church. The main area of the festival in the castle hills is accessible with a festival pass (including a day pass), while the surrounding perimeter area with the food street, the green stage, and the Vabaduse Square stage is accessible with a discounted base ticket.

To learn more about the festival, the performers and tickets, visit the Viljandi Folk Festival official website here.