Photos and report by Mary Boukouvalas (Florence shots via iPhone) and Karen Dean
It was with much good fortune that Melbourne music photographer Mary Boukouvalas and friend Karen Dean found themselves in Helsinki last weekend, where they were able to attend and photograph some of the Saturday action at the 2026 Flow Festival. This year the festival featured Florence + The Machine, Turnstile, Honey Dijon, Todd Terje, Nu Genea, Clipse, Dina Ögon, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sombr, Geese and more.
Flow Festival once again transformed Helsinki’s former Suvilahti power plant precinct into one of Europe’s most distinctive music and arts gatherings, with the 2026 edition attracting 91,000 visitors across three days, from 14-16 August. The sold-out festival combined major international headliners with Finnish artists, electronic music, experimental performances, food and visual culture, all set against Suvilahti’s striking industrial landscape.
The festival’s musical diversity was on full display across its numerous stages. Saturday provided some of Flow’s most memorable moments, with Florence + The Machine delivering a dramatic and emotionally charged Main Stage performance, while hardcore innovators Turnstile turned their set into an intensely physical communal experience. Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai, performing with the 27-piece AUKSO Orchestra, brought a very different atmosphere to the festival with an orchestral presentation in the afternoon, while Finnish pop star OLGA delivered an expansive stage show later in the day.
Elsewhere, Honey Dijon brought her celebrated house sound to the Front Yard, Todd Terje kept the Heineken Backyard moving, and Nu Genea Live Band filled the Silver Arena with their groove-driven blend of funk, disco and Mediterranean influences. Rap pioneers Clipse delivered a late-night performance, while Swedish group Dina Ögon provided a more understated, melodic experience on the Balloon 360° stage.
The festival opened on Friday with artists including Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, Oklou, Cabaret Voltaire and a broad selection of Finnish acts and electronic artists. Sunday then brought a heavyweight finale, with SOMBR making his first Finnish appearance, Geese bringing their raw rock energy to the Silver Arena, and Lykke Li creating a more intimate atmosphere with her ethereal performance. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds closed the Main Stage with a two-hour set that became one of the weekend’s defining moments, while Lambrini Girls closed the Black Tent with their combination of political commentary and irreverent punk energy.
Music was only part of the Flow experience. More than 40 restaurants and food outlets offered everything from street food to fine dining, with Vintero taking out the festival’s Sustainable Food competition. The Flow Talks program added discussions around subjects including artificial intelligence, design, science and culture, reinforcing the festival’s broader commitment to combining contemporary music with art, ideas and social issues.
With its carefully curated programming, distinctive industrial setting and emphasis on sustainability, Flow continues to occupy a unique position on the European festival calendar. The 2026 edition demonstrated that its appeal lies not simply in the size of its international lineup, but in the way music, art, food, design and the character of Helsinki’s Suvilahti precinct combine to create an experience that feels distinctly its own.
And here’s photographer Mary Boulouvalas’ friend Karen Dean’s thoughts on the festival
Sure, the flight from Australia to Helsinki was long and tiring, but it was well worth the journey to attend Flow Festival in Suvilahti, Helsinki, on a perfect Finnish afternoon, alongside 32,000 Finnish and international festivalgoers.
The evening started with Finnish pop star Olga, a real crowd-pleaser who brought plenty of energy to the main stage. Olga is known for her blend of electronic pop and rap influences, and on the night she delivered a high-energy performance. It’s easy to understand why she is regarded as one of Finland’s most exciting young pop artists.
Olga was followed on the main stage by American hardcore band Turnstile. Blending the raw energy of punk and hardcore music, the Baltimore band delivered a powerful and energetic set, with songs including Never Enough, I Care, Holiday, Mystery and Blackout.
One of my favourite performances on the night was Nu Genea Live Band, the incredibly talented Italian act from Naples. This is a tight, accomplished band, with some excellent musicianship. The three vocalists were impressive, delivering beautiful harmonies as well as strong individual performances. Keyboards, strong guitar work, drums, saxophone and tambourine added layers of colour and rhythm to a sound that was warm, rich and vibrant.
The headline act of the night was Florence + The Machine. In typical style, Florence Welch exhibited great stage presence, powerful vocals and plenty of energy. Moving effortlessly across the stage and connecting closely with the crowd, she delivered a powerful performance. Highlights included “Shake It Out,” “Spectrum (Say My Name),” “Hunger” and “Everybody Scream,” alongside songs from the recent Everybody Scream album. It was a quality performance and a fitting way to finish the night.
