Viljandi Folk Festival Hopes to Break Attendance Record Again
The 33rd Viljandi Folk Festival in Estonia aims to surpass last year's attendance record of 38,000 visitors. Around 60 groups and solo performers are participating, and a special area allows attendees to try folk instruments.
Thousands of music lovers have gathered in Viljandi for the 33rd Viljandi Folk Festival, with organizers hoping to set a new attendance record. About 60 bands and solo artists marched through the city streets in a festive procession.
The festival was officially opened at Kaevumägi hill, where Viljandi Mayor Jaak Pihlak symbolically handed the festival key to head Ando Kiviberg, expressing hope for a successful event. Program director Tarmo Noormaa noted that while there are many new performers, familiar names are also present. Since this year's festival is dedicated to musical instruments, a special area has been set up where visitors can try playing various folk instruments.
Despite financial challenges faced by many other music events, Viljandi Folk attendees have remained loyal. Last year, 38,000 people visited over four days. According to Kiviberg, the record set last year could be broken.
The Viljandi Folk Festival began in 1993, and three years later it started nurturing a new generation of folk musicians. The ethno-camp held within the festival took place for the 30th time this year. Kiviberg remarked that 33 years ago, such a scene could only be seen in dreams, but now there are many music schools teaching folk music and numerous events dedicated to it – in his view, folk music has never been so alive.
Visitors Taavi and Anna Maria from Pärnu said they definitely want to listen to Zetod and Duo Ruut, planning to attend one concert after another as long as they have energy. Meanwhile, Viljandi locals Leanika and Eik shared that their 15-year-old brother is performing on stage, so they are going to support him.
