Helsinki will ring in 2019 with a star-studded concert in Senate Square. Heading the show will be Finnish singer-songwriter Vesala and the trendsetting pop act Vesta. The programme also includes a theatrical fire show by the Maria Baric Company, while DJ Orion will keep the crowds dancing on their feet. The show will be hosted by Ernest Lawson from the TV comedy show Putous and TV personality Sampo Marjamaa. Mayor Jan Vapaavuori will deliver the traditional New Year’s speech before the main firework display at midnight.
The venue for this year’s celebrations will be Senate Square due to construction work at last year’s venue, the Kansalaistori square. Tens of thousands of locals and visitors are expected to join in the festivities; to accommodate the large numbers of people, a big screen broadcasting a live feed from Senate Square will be set up in the nearby Market Square. Many of the cafés and restaurants in the alleys connecting the two squares will remain open late into the night.
“This may well be the last time that the official New Year’s Eve celebrations take place in Senate Square, so it will be very nostalgic. The programme this year promises to be very visually impressive, fresh and musical, and the fire show will no doubt add to the warm and sparkling atmosphere. I can’t think of a better way to greet in the New Year!” says Event Producer Susa Nokelainen.
Organised by the City of Helsinki, the official New Year’s Eve celebrations include a special programme for kids and their families at the start of the evening. The internationally renowned Maria Baric Company will present a stunning show that combines music, fire, theatre, dance and circus, culminating in a firework display at 5:30pm.