Thursday, August 20th marked a landmark opening day for KESKfEST, bringing the community together to honour thirty-five years since the restoration of Estonia’s independence while celebrating the approaching completion of KESKUS. The festival launched into action with speeches from special guests, including Kristina Kallas, Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research, alongside musical moments with the Tallinn Chamber Choir (including a premiere of Jonas Tarm's composition “Kauge kaja“) and Ukulele.
The momentum continued over a luncheon, where Minister Kallas joined veteran journalist Steve Paikin for a live recording of the Paikin Podcast to tackle pressing questions surrounding security, technology, and society.
Cultural offerings were found across the neighbourhood throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Just steps away at Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church, a choral showcase brought together the Tallinn Chamber Choir, the Estonian National Opera Boys' Choir, and the Mägi Ensemble. Over at Taddle Creek Park, folk dance and gymnastics performances by Malmöflickorna, TERR Kungla, and Jõgevahe Pere offered an outdoor sneak peek of that Saturday's Valguspidu, drawing crowds into the open air before nightfall.
The inaugural day wrapped up with high energy at Föörst Blääst, where festivalgoers gathered for refreshments and company before the Kalevipogues took the stage to keep the festival tent rocking late into the night.
Click the gallery below to see Peeter Põldre's photographs of the day's events:
Fotogalerii
