Tredu to host national SAKUstars cultural competitions

Tredu announced that it will host the nationwide SAKUstars culture competitions for students in vocational education, running as a three-day event from 14 to 16 April 2026.

The competition includes both preliminary rounds and on-site contests, with categories spanning art and culture. Tredu lists programmes such as visual arts, photography, poetry and writing, music ranging from solo singing to bands and instrumental performances, dance, acting and performing arts, animation and video production, and arts and crafts. The organisers say the point of SAKUstars is to encourage students to engage with culture and showcase expertise that may not always be visible in day-to-day studies, with a focus on courageous participation rather than winning.

A key theme highlighted in the announcement is community: students from different institutions encourage and support each other during performances and help create an environment where participants can present their talents safely. The release also notes that taking part can bring extra motivation to progress with studies. The opening events, cavalcade and closing events can be followed live on YLE Areena.

Tredu added that its students have already performed strongly in the 2026 preliminary rounds, with Elviira Lähdetluoma placing first in the poster category and Milja Koskimaa taking second in computer graphics. The release also mentions Alvar Silen’s second place in poetry and writing, as well as a commendation for Vilho Alvalahti in drawing. The official patron for the 2026 competitions is the comedy group Kummeli, and the official contest song is Tampere II by the Tampere-based artist Mansester. Mari-Leena Talvitie from the Ministry of Science and Culture will attend the opening, and Timo Kahilainen from Kummeli is set to take part in the Wednesday cavalcade.