Ruisrock

Ruisrock is an annual rock festival held on the picturesque island of Ruissalo in Turku, Finland. Since its inception in 1970, it has earned the distinction of being the second-oldest rock festival in Europe and the oldest in Finland.

Throughout its storied history, Ruisrock has showcased a plethora of renowned artists. While the early 2000s brought financial challenges, the festival managed to rebound impressively. The event is divided into two main areas: the Niittyalue (meadow section) and the Ranta-alue (beach section).

One of the festival's most memorable moments came in 1971, when it attracted a record-breaking crowd of around 100,000 visitors. Another highlight occurred in 2009, when the festival experienced a resurgence, featuring headline acts like Slipknot and Faith No More. The 40th anniversary in 2010 was celebrated in style, with performances by legends such as Slash and Ozzy Osbourne.

However, not all memories have been positive. In 2016, reports of sexual assaults at the festival emerged, leading to investigations by the Finnish police.

Despite these challenges, Ruisrock has hosted a diverse range of iconic bands over the years, including U2, Nirvana, Metallica, and Oasis. Today, the festival continues to draw approximately 70,000 attendees annually, cementing its place as a cherished cultural event in Finland.