The first Provinssirock festival was held in 1979. It was a single-day event that had only one stage. Since its inception, it has been through many ups and downs but it has always remained one of the top music festivals in Finland. The festival attracts thousands of people thanks to the line-up featuring renowned Finnish and international artists and its exciting program packed with events and activities. Originally focused on rock music, it now encompasses other genres which was reflected in the change of the name in 2014.
Provinssi takes place in the city of Seinäjoki. It is organized by the Seinäjoki Live Music Association (Selmu ry) that was founded in 1992 specifically to run and manage the festival. Selmu ry is a non-profit organization that strives to develop and promote live music by bringing together artists, music lovers and cultural associations in a place where they can share their love for music. The team of the Provinssi Festival includes the festival board, paid personnel and hundreds of volunteers.
Provinssi features both up-and-coming local artists and world-class musicians. One of its main objectives is to provide a platform for emerging local talent as well as to introduce Finnish audiences to high-quality foreign music. Notable musicians who have performed at Provinssi include Tori Amos, David Bowie, The Cure, Faith No More, HIM, Garbage, Limp Bizkit, Massive Attack, Marilyn Manson, Lou Reed, Placebo, Paramore, Iggy Pop, Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, R.E.M., System of a Down, Rammstein, Patti Smith, Scissor Sisters, and many others.
The Provinssi Festival generally attracts over 70,000 people from different countries. The organizers recommend that attendees book tickets in advance. There are various ticket types and packages to choose from so that visitors can pick a festival experience that suits their taste and needs. There is a campsite in the festival grounds for those who want to enjoy Provinssi to the fullest and have fun in the company of like-minded individuals even when the day's concerts are over.
Photo: Kujan01
