Pirkkalaisveistokset Suit Up in Gymnastics Outfits for Valoviikot Finale

Sculptures known as the Pirkkalaisveistokset on Hämeensilta were dressed in gymnastics outfits on Friday morning to promote a public gymnastics celebration that will cap Tampere’s Valoviikot on Sunday 1 November. The dressing, staged by Jumppatytöt and reported by Tamperelainen, was the first time the statues have worn exercise clothing after earlier dressings with hockey scarves. Performers Katariina Havukainen, Inkeri Hyvönen and Ella Lahdenmäki combine professional acting backgrounds with experience in group gymnastics. The display will remain on the statues until 2 November. Just before the main event, participants and other visitors will process from Hämeenpuisto to Koskipuisto for a communal gymnastics and dance session open to everyone. The action ties into this year’s Festival of Light programme, which opened in late October with new performances and an illuminated art trail marking the festival launch. Previously the Hämeensilta statues were draped in Manse PP scarves ahead of a Superpesis final in a previous stunt.