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Tartu 2024: What to Take Into Account When Coming to the Summer Celebration this Saturday?

This Saturday, August 3, the European Capital of Culture will transform Tartu’s city centre into a big summer celebration featuring beloved Estonian artists. The Tartu 2024 organisers are expecting a large turnout and explain what this major event entails.

02. Aug 2024

The concert performance “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads” will start on the main stage at Car-Free Avenue this Saturday at 10 PM and will last about two hours. The main performers are beloved Estonian artists, including Märt Avandi, Ott Sepp, Ollie, Peeter Volkonski, Sissi, Liisi Koikson, Nele-Liis Vaiksoo, Heidy Tamme, Priit Volmer, Rosanna Säälik, the Tartu Academic Male Choir, and four dance groups. The celebration will continue with a concert by the Southern Estonian metal-punk band Winny Puhh, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

The event is outdoors, and the current weather forecast promises dry and warm Estonian summer weather. However, the organisers recommend monitoring the weather forecast and dressing accordingly. If it rains, organisers request bringing a raincoat instead of an umbrella, as umbrellas can obstruct other attendees’ views. The event will feature loud music and light effects (including flashing lights). For children, organisers recommend using hearing protection.

Visibility at the Concert Area

In addition to the main stage, other technical structures have been set up at Car-Free Avenue, which may limit the audience’s visibility. To improve visibility, LED screens are placed on the sides of the main stage and in the centre of the public area. The technical control point (FOH) is directly opposite the stage in the public area, ensuring the best experience for the audience and TV viewers. The control point tent is made as compact as possible to minimize visibility obstruction.

Cameras from Estonian Television will be in the public area to broadcast the concert live. Additionally, parts of the Car-Free Avenue structures will remain in the public area. Please be considerate of each other and arrive early.

Environmental Friendly Event

The Summer Celebration follows the Tartu and Tartu 2024 guidelines for environmentally friendly events to minimize environmental impact. Reusable dishes will be used, and waste will be sorted. There will also be a water station to refill water bottles. The event is accessible by foot, bike, or public transport. Bicycle parking is available at both ends of Car-Free Avenue, located on Küüni Street and near the Kaubamaja store.

Basic Needs are Covered

The nearest toilets (including an accessible toilet with a changing table) are located at the corner of Poe Street and Vabaduse Avenue. Entry is free.

The Car-Free Avenue will have various food vendors open all evening. Several beverage points will also be open for purchasing drinks. Additionally, many bars and pubs are open in the Tartu City centre.

Safety Measures

Security personnel and Tartu 2024 volunteers will be in the area. The volunteers are wearing green hoodies or yellow windbreakers. Given the expected large crowd, an ambulance will be stationed in the area. The Tartu 2024 pavilion is open until midnight, where you can ask for information and buy Tartu 2024 souvenirs.

Accessibility

People with mobility impairments are welcome to join the concert from the accessible platform in the centre of the public area. The elevated platform is equipped with wheelchair spaces and foldable chairs. The most convenient way to reach the accessible platform is from the Tartu Market Hall side. Ramps have been installed on Car-Free Avenue to facilitate movement between the sidewalk and the roadway.

The concert will have Estonian sign language interpretation, with the interpreter positioned at the front of the stage near the accessible viewing platform, on the Emajõgi side. However, there will be no sign language interpretation at the Winny Puhh concert.

English summaries of the texts heard in “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads” can be found here.

The nearest accessible toilet is located at the corner of Poe Street and Vabaduse Avenue. Entry is free, with priority given to WC cardholders.

The nearest accessible parking spots for Car-Free Avenue are on Magistri Street and near the Tartu Market Hall. A valid blue badge for a person with a disability guarantees free parking in Tartu’s paid parking zones. Please follow the parking rules when using private parking lots.

Organisers recommend the audience familiarise themselves with the Car-Free Avenue area map. The concert performance will be broadcast live on Estonian Television at 10 PM. Organisers emphasise not forgetting the most important thing – to enjoy being together and the Summer Celebration of the European Capital of Culture!

Programme for Saturday, August 3:
17.00–22.00 Summer Celebration Warm-up at Väike Kuuba: Estonian Funk Embassy
22.00–23.15 Concert Performance “Arts of Survival at the Crossroads”
23.15–00.00 Metal-punk band Winny Puhh
00.00-03.00 Official After Party at Humal: DJ Mart Juur x DJ Sailence

See the full program at tartu2024.ee/en/suvepidu/

Area map of the Tartu 2024 Summer Celebration at Car-free Avenue in Tartu. Source: Tartu 2024.