Tredu Hosts National SAKUstars Vocational Schools Finals at Tampereen Tavara-asema

Tredu said in a press release that it is hosting the national SAKUstars vocational schools cultural competitions at Tampereen Tavara-asema from 14 to 16 April 2026. The three-day contest opened on 14 April with a ceremony that brought together student performers and organisers from across the country.

According to ePressi, the event draws nearly 1,500 people to Tampere, about 600 of them students competing across multiple cultural disciplines. The student-hosted ceremony takes place at Tavara-asema.

The opening night featured a mixed programme, starting with a set by the Mansesteri band. Mansesteri, featuring Mikko Alatalo, performed the official contest song "Tampere II," setting an energetic, communal tone. Students presented their own performances later in the evening.

Science and Culture Minister Mari-Leena Talvitie opened the ceremony and described the event as more than entertainment. "Art and culture can give positive transformative power that helps to navigate in this time," she said, calling the competition a communal break from everyday studies and a place to show skills and ideas through culture.

ePressi also reports that Tredu students are involved not only in organising and production, but specifically in production, technical support, communications and streaming as part of their studies.

She added that participants bring enthusiasm to showcase, develop and improvise their talents while also watching, encouraging and learning from one another. Other speakers included Tampere Deputy Mayor Johanna Kirjavainen and SAKU ry chair Antti Lahti.

According to ePressi, Tredu’s media students will stream the Wednesday 15 April 18:00 procession and the Thursday 16 April 12:00 closing ceremony to Yle Areena.

Tredu director Kirsi Viskari said the school is proud to host the finals and highlighted wide involvement from staff and students in organising the event. "May Tredu's values — brave, bold and fair — carry the spirit of the competition; let's encourage one another," she said. Organisers are now preparing for the coming days of performances and judging.