The official opening of the city’s summer streets and the Espa area trial

Changes have been made to the traffic arrangements and services in Kasarmikatu, Erottajankatu and the square outside the Design Museum so that these areas are protected from traffic; everyone is invited to enjoy the summer city with added furniture and greenery. The Esplanade traffic trial sees the streets become single lanes to give room for terraces and bicycle lanes as well as open spaces for the public to spend time in.

The opening of Helsinki Day will bring a variety of events to the area. A competition will be held in Pohjoisesplanadi: teams will decorate lampposts with flowers and the public vote will decide the winner. Come and make a wrist corsage or a boutonnière for yourself or for a friend as a gift at one of the flower workshops held in front of the Design Museum. Visitors to the summer streets and the Espa area will also be delighted by a touring choir and the Guards Band.

The opening programme:

9:00–17:00 The lamppost flower decoration competition on the Esplanade
There will be 10 contestants and 10 lampposts to be decorated with flowers. The best
flower arrangement will win a prize!

12:00–14:00 & 16:00–18:00 Flower workshop on the square outside the Design Museum
A professional florist will demonstrate how to make a wrist corsage or a boutonnière. The workshops will last about 20 minutes and each workshop can accommodate up to 25 people.

16:00-17:30 The Guards Band
Tusan Brass of seven musicians will start at the Runeberg statue in the Esplanade Park at 16:00, playing through the summer streets and ending at the Design Museum at 17:30.

17:00–19:00 Tour of mini choirs
The choirs will tour the summer streets, terraces and pedestrian streets and entertain diners on the Esplanade.

Photo: Emilia Rautio