Extremefest launches in Tampere but faces low attendance despite diverse activities

Tampere’s Särkänniemi event area hosted its first major event, the new Extremefest, featuring activities ranging from jet skiing and paragliding to bungee jumping. The program included daily performances, concerts, and sauna experiences. “Here, we are breaking the boundaries of traditional festivals,” said Sakri Jämsä, the festival’s producer.

However, attendance has been low, with only eight attendees reported by festival staff by Saturday afternoon. A nearby glitter makeup booth had around twenty customers during the same time. The festival aims to attract about 7,000 visitors to its 25,000-capacity venue, but only slightly over 2,000 tickets have been sold. “We were hoping for more people. I’m not sure if it’s the weather or what,” commented event manager Eemeli Aittokallio. Many tickets were still unused by Saturday, according to Jämsä.

Despite the low turnout, both Aittokallio and Jämsä expressed satisfaction with the festival. They are optimistic that attendance may increase on Sunday, as good weather is expected and a hot air balloon will be present.

This weekend’s weather has been unpredictable, with rain and thunderstorms impacting the festival’s success. Some activities, like paragliding, had to be suspended multiple times. Organizers noted that when conditions allowed, visitor numbers were promising. Many believe competing events nearby may have drawn attendees away.

Ticket prices for the entire weekend were set at €49, though over half of the attractions required separate fees, such as €80 for bungee jumping and €160 for paragliding. “The prices are quite affordable compared to other festivals,” stated Jämsä.

The event took place in an area familiar to the organizers, who had operated paragliding there for several years. The city of Tampere is pleased to see the space utilized after being prepared for several years. “It feels great, exciting, and we are very satisfied with this event,” Aittokallio added, expressing hopes to host the festival again next year.