Espoo Day: City of Dreams

Respondents’ language:
It was possible to respond to the survey in Finnish, Swedish, English, and Russian. The survey mainly reached Finnish-speaking respondents, as well as a few English- and Swedish-speaking respondents. Of the residents who responded, 90.6% selected Finnish as their native language. There were 2 bilingual respondents, and the remaining respondents’ native languages were Estonian, Swahili, Albanian, Swedish, and English.

Respondents’ age:
The survey reached the most respondents in the 45–56 age group (39.1% of respondents). The majority of respondents (87.3%) were 30 years old or older.

Residents were asked what types of content they are interested in for Espoo Day.

The question was presented as multiple choice, and respondents could select several options. The options were: music and concerts; art, exhibitions, and performances; sports and participatory activities; children’s and family programs; workshops and experiments; tours, history, and architecture; food, markets, and local producers; nature and outdoor activities; and other (please specify). 

Residents were asked what types of content they are interested in for Espoo Day.

The question was presented as multiple choice, and respondents could select several options. The options were: music and concerts; art, exhibitions, and performances; sports and participatory activities; children’s and family programs; workshops and experiments; tours, history, and architecture; food, markets, and local producers; nature and outdoor activities; and other (please specify).

Most desired content:

• Music and concerts: 74%
• Food, markets, and local producers: 53.1%
• Tours, history, and architecture: 40.6%
• Art, exhibitions, and performances: 40.6%
• Nature and outdoor activities: 38%

Responses were fairly evenly distributed across the options, and the results indicate that residents are interested in a diverse program with a strong local emphasis.

Residents were also asked in which areas of Espoo they would like the program to take place.

The question was presented as multiple choice, and respondents could select several options. The options were: Greater Tapiola area; Greater Espoonlahti area; Greater Matinkylä area; Greater Leppävaara area; Espoon keskus; Greater Kauklahti area; Northern Espoo; and more specifically, in my own neighborhood (please specify).

Most desired major areas in Espoo:

• Greater Tapiola area: 46%
• Greater Espoonlahti area: 36%
• Greater Matinkylä area: 29%
• Greater Leppävaara area: 26%

In responses to “more specifically, in my own neighborhood,” suggested event locations included Olari, Kauklahti, Kivenlahti, Tapiola, Saunalahti, Suurpelto, Espoonlahti Sports Park, Niiperi, Kilo, Soukka, Finnoo, Koukkuniemi, Storängen, and Karakallio.

Respondents were asked who they would most likely attend Espoo Day with. The question was multiple choice, and respondents could select several options: alone; with family; with a spouse/partner; with friends; or unsure.

People prefer to attend Espoo Day programs with family (50%), a partner (44%), or friends (43%).

Respondents were asked what type of participation they prefer.

The question was multiple choice, and respondents could select several options: I observe and experience as part of the audience; I actively participate in the program; I experience and do things together with others; I organize or take part in organizing; I don’t know; or other (please specify).

73% of respondents selected “I observe and experience as part of the audience (e.g., concerts or exhibitions).” The next most popular options were “I actively participate in the program (e.g., sports and creative activities)” at 41%, and “I experience and do things together with others (e.g., family programs, community events, group activities)” at 38%.

The responses reinforce the view that Espoo Day is expected to include many performances, concerts, and experiences where participation is more passive, as part of an audience.

Residents were asked whether any factors had previously prevented them from participating in Espoo Day.

The question was multiple choice, and respondents could select several options: I was not aware of the events or Espoo Day; the events have been too far away; the programme hasn’t seemed interesting to me; the timings did not work for me; issues with accessibility; nothing / I have participated before; or other (please specify).

30% of respondents had not experienced any barriers or had participated before. The biggest barriers were unsuitable schedules (24%) and lack of interest in the program (33%). Only 2% mentioned accessibility issues as a barrier.

Residents were asked to share their own ideas for content, events, or themes for Espoo Day. The question was open-ended and received 62 responses.

Open responses particularly highlighted a desire for diverse music programming. Residents wished for outdoor concerts, club and disco atmospheres, local musicians, classical concerts and choir singing, as well as more well-known artists. Outdoor movie screenings and dance events were also requested.

A wide range of sports, activity trials, and nature activities were suggested, from roller skating and cycling trips to archery, yard games and outdoor gym try-outs. Residents also expressed interest in guided mushroom foraging trips and making use of archipelago or beach areas as part of the event.

Residents also hoped for various food events, community dinners, and markets where different cultures’ cuisines, late-summer harvests, and local producers could be showcased. Ideas included picnic concerts and combining food events with other activities such as gigs, flea markets, or dance events.

Creative activities, collaborative experiences, and workshops were also highlighted. Suggested workshops included pottery, playing the kantele (a traditional Finnish or Karelian plucked string instrument), arts and crafts, and making flower crowns. Responses also mentioned art exhibitions, presentations by local organizations, and open house events.

Residents were asked whether there was anything they would especially like to be considered in event planning. The question was open-ended and received 39 responses.

Responses emphasized accessibility and inclusivity, planning content for all age groups, the importance of visibility in marketing and communication, and consideration of recycling. Many respondents also highlighted the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and breaking down prejudices.

A downloadable PDF (below this text) provides a more detailed list of residents’ wishes by category. The same document also includes open responses on other special considerations residents would like to be taken into account when planning events.