Ljubljana to host Flow Festival

After a decade of being held in Helsinki, the world renowned Flow Festival will for the first time travel to another host destination this year. From 26 to 28 June it will be held in Ljubljana, whose abandoned Tobačna tovarna tobacco factory complex will play host to a star line-up of artists including Pet Shop Boys, Róisín Murphy, Metronomy, Run the Jewels, Caribou, José González, Derrick May, and many others.

The Ljubljana edition of Flow Festival, one of the most acclaimed music festivals in Europe, will precede the festival in Helsinki, which has traditionally been held in August. The festival will bring to Ljubljana not only a star-studded array of artists, but also its unique concept, which differentiates it from other festivals.

The essence of Flow Festival, which combines popular culture, experimental art, and top-quality culinary delights, is building close links with the local community. Even though the festival's main highlight is its stellar line-up, it is the local inhabitants, musicians, artists, and food providers that are the heart of the festival.

A key feature of Flow Festival, which originated as a series of alternative events, is its urban character and close involvement with the life of the host city. Despite its wide popularity, Flow Festival has remained to be a relaxed and distinctly different festival featuring both events of the highest calibre and small creative sessions, allowing artists and audience members to mingle.

Ljubljana, the European Green Capital 2016, is a perfect choice as a venue for Flow Festival, which stands out for its environmentally-friendly attitude. The director of Flow Festival Ljubljana, Mikko Lehtinen, said: "European Green Capital was one of the reasons, why we loved Slovenia so much. And to support this prestigious award, Flow Festival is bringing a strong dedication towards using recycling materials, renewable energy and sustainable products throughout the festival and not in any way harm this beautiful city."

Visitors to the festival are encouraged to avoid parking and instead come to the venues by bicycle, public transport or simply on foot. The food provided at the festival is made with locally sourced ingredients and served on biodegradable plates with biodegradable cutlery. All the waste produced at the 2014 festival in Helsinki was recycled.

For more information about the programme of events and ticket purchase, visit the Flow Festival website.