Tampere has unveiled its very own equivalent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tähtikatu - Star Street - celebrates the achievements of famous Finnish musicians for their contribution to the arts with gold stars inlaid on the pavement.
The public got to make suggestions for the inaugural names to be added to the street, and on Friday the first stars went on display.
Rap artist Cheek, musician Juice Leskinen, rock band Popeda, singer Katri Helena, composer Jean Sibelius, composer Kaija Saariaho and music entrepreneur Epe Helenius are the first people to have their names in stars on Tähtikatu.
The new attraction recognises Tampere’s legacy as a music city, and helps boost its reputation as a cultural destination for tourists - both from Finland and international visitors.
“Club culture, the Manserock [Tampere rock music scene] phenomenon, the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, and the music theatre are all well-known assets of our city” says Tampere Mayor Lauri Lyly.
“Tähtikatu is a special tribute to music professionals. At the same time it combines urban street culture with a long tradition of Tampere music” the mayor adds.
Members of the public submitted 6600 suggestions for artists, bands and music industry figures to have their names inlaid in gold stars on Tähtikatu.
A music industry jury whittled down the proposals and the city’s Education and Culture Board made the final decisions.
