Live Nation acquires Finnish hip-hop festival

Live Nation Finland has announced the acquisition of the country’s leading hip-hop festival, Blockfest.

Founded in 2008 in Tampere, Finland, Blockfest has grown to become one of the biggest hip-hop festivals in the Nordic countries. Taking place at the Tampere stadium, the two-day festival attracted 75,000 festivalgoers last year.

“This deal cements Blockfest’s position in the festival calendar and will ensure that the festival attracts the hottest international acts going forward,” says Kalle Kallonen, Blockfest founder and chief executive.

“We have a great team who are excited to work more closely with Live Nation Finland to deliver the best possible live experience for our audience.”

“Blockfest is one of the most innovative festivals in Finland and we are thrilled to be a part of its future”

Live Nation Finland’s head promoter, Zachris Sundell, comments: “Blockfest is one of the most innovative festivals in Finland and we are thrilled to be a part of its future.”

“We have always had a great relationship with Blockfest and are looking forward to putting our resources into bringing more of the world’s leading hip-hop, R&B and grime artists to the festival,” says Sundell.

Live Nation Finland and Blockfest have worked together since 2013, bringing artists including including Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Wiz Khalifa, Skepta, Mobb Deep and Lil Wayne to the festival’s stages.

The announcement is one in a string of recent acquisitions for the live entertainment company, including Tennessee-based event marketing company Neste, Canadian venue operator and promoter Embrace Presents and Spanish latin music promoter Planet Events.

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