Main Program Announced for 2025 Viljandi Folk Music Festival
-
Loading... - Luna Alfaro
- 10 Apr 2025
- 23 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The highly anticipated main program for the 2025 Viljandi Folk Music Festival, themed "Off the Ground!", has been officially announced. This year's lineup promises an exciting array of talent, featuring 11 international artists, 36 Estonian performers, and 3 collaborative groups that unite musicians from Estonia and abroad. The festival will take place in the picturesque town of Viljandi, Estonia, from July 24 to 27, and is recognized as one of the largest folk music festivals in Northern Europe, attracting over 20,000 visitors each year.
Highlights of the Festival
Among the standout performances, attendees can look forward to one of the final live shows from the beloved Estonian folk-rock trio Trad.Attack! before they enter a hiatus. The festival will also showcase a diverse range of international acts, including:
- Ímar (Ireland/Scotland), winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award
- Haydamaky from Ukraine
- Magalí Sare & Manel Fortià from Catalonia
- Natig Rhythm Group from Azerbaijan
Additionally, one of Estonia's most-streamed artists, NOËP, will return to perform a special folk crossover concert titled "NOËP Goes Folk vol II."
A Celebration of Culture and Innovation
Tarmo Noormaa, the festival's program manager, highlighted the festival's focus on "fascinating cultures, charismatic performers, virtuosos, village traditions, young artists, new performances, and special projects." The festival will feature a rich variety of musical styles, including traditional folk, folk rock, chamber folk, and folktronica.
Noormaa shared insights into the festival's unique artist selection process, noting, "Each artist's journey to the festival is unique – for example, I discovered the Natig Rhythm Group at a festival in Kazakhstan and was so impressed that I invited them to Viljandi on the spot."
A Cultural Cornerstone
Founded in 1993, the Viljandi Folk Music Festival has become a cornerstone of Estonia's cultural calendar and is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Northern and Baltic countries. Renowned for its beautiful setting, high-quality programming, and warm atmosphere, the festival champions both traditional heritage and bold innovation in folk music.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community in Viljandi.
