Venues
Most of the festival concerts will be organized in Imatrankoski, at the very centre of the town. Within easy reach are the Rantasipi Imatra State Hotel, the Imatra Rapids and the main Pedestrian Street.
Imatra's main pedestrian street, nicknamed BB Street during the festival, is at the centre of the IBBF atmosphere. Full of merchants, cafes, pubs and restaurants, BB Street bursts with activity and, most of all, is filled with music.
Other venues include the cruise ship M/S Camilla, the Vuoksi Fishing Park and Hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli. Local clubs and restaurants also offer live music during the festival.
The BB Club will serve as the marquee venue of the festival and is located in downtown Imatra, within easy reach of hotels, restaurants and areas of interest. This park square, known as Inkerinaukio to locals, was designed with the needs of IBBF and the citizens of Imatra in mind. For the rest of the year it is a popular park. The stage transforms into a cascading waterfall and the dance floor becomes a tranquil pond with fountains.
BB Club
The BB Club will be the marquee venue for the festival, with a capacity of approximately 2,500 people. Evening concerts based on a variety of themes as well as the festival church service and the children's event will be held at the BB Club. The children's event will be held Monday, July 5 at noon.
The concerts from Sunday to Thursday beginning at 7 pm (Door to the BB-Club area open at 6 pm). This should help evening guests enjoy the Imatrankoski rapid show as well as help those who need to begin early workdays. Friday and Saturday show will begin at the regular time at 8 pm.
BB Street
The Pedestrian Street, Koskenparras, at the centre of Imatrankoski is directly across from the BB Club. BB Street has outdoor events daily during the festival. Free concerts normally begin at noon and 5 p.m. BB Street includes shops, restaurants, open-air bars and cafes, street vendors and a children's playground. This is a popular place for the people of Imatra, and it has an even greater spirit during the festival.
Hotel Rantasipi Imatran Valtiohotelli
The Hotel Valtionhotelli offers outdoor concert on Wednesday, Jyly 7 th at 5 p.m.
Other concert places
Charter M/S Camilla
This charter cruise offers the chance to combine fine dining, the sounds of the Imatra Big Band Festival and the stunning scenery of Lake Saimaa. Welcome aboard for an unforgettable experience!
Cruises
m/s Camilla Lake Saimaa Groove Cruise
Wednesday, July 7 at 12.00 a.m.
The cruise ship m/s Camilla is Finland's largest freshwater cruise ship. You can enjoy both the clear blue water of Lake Saimaa and fantastic music on this approximately 4-hour trip. The spacious ship includes both a scenic bar and pleasant sun deck.
Bus travel from the Imatra Harbour to Imatrankoski after the cruise is free.
Meal reservations made in advance are 26 € (aboard 28,50 €)
BB-menu:
Caesar Salad
*Salad, Caesar-Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, Croutons
Chicken Fillet
*Rice, Vegetable Caponata, White Wine Sauce
Marinated Berries & Amaretto Cream
Coffee / Te
26 €/person
Lake Saimaa Evening Cruise
Wednesday July 7 at 7 p.m.
This cruise departs from Imatra harbour and tours Lake Saima, returning about 9 p.m.
The cruise ship m/s Camilla is Finland's largest freshwater cruise ship. You can enjoy both the clear blue water of Lake Saimaa and fantastic music on this approximately 4-hour trip. The spacious ship includes both a scenic bar and pleasant sun deck.
Bus travel from the Imatra harbour to Imatrankoski after the cruise is free. Meal reservations made in advance are 32 € (aboard 34 €)
BB-Menu:
Beetroot & Goat´s Cheese Mousse
*Balsamic Syrup
Beef Roast
*Roasted Root Vegetables, Cassis-Sauce
Frosted Cranberries & Hot Caramel Sauce
Coffee / Te
32€/person
m/s Camilla Lake Saimaa Blues Cruise
Thursday July 8 at 1 p.m.
The cruise ship m/s Camilla is Finland's largest freshwater cruise ship. You can enjoy both the clear blue water of Lake Saimaa and fantastic music on this approximately 4-hour trip. The spacious ship includes both a scenic bar and pleasant sun deck.
Saimaa Blues Cruise (Thursday 8.7.) provides return to Imatrankoski by bus immediately after the cruise for a price of 7€ per person.
Meal reservations made in advance are 26€ (aboard 28,50 €)
BB-menu:
Caesar Salad
*Salad, Caesar-Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, Croutons
Chicken Fillet
*Rice, Vegetable Caponata, White Wine Sauce
Marinated Berries & Amaretto Cream
Coffee / Te
26 €/person
Children may also attend BB Cruises with adult accompaniment for half price.
The BB Pirate Cruise Thursday July 8 at 10 a.m.
The Imatra Big Band Festival and the cruise ship m/s Camilla offer an exciting and hilarious adventure on Lake Saimaa. The BB Pirate Cruise departs the Imatra town dock at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 8 th.
The programme includes:
Pirate ship capture
Treasure hunt
Personal Pirate Diploma
The Pirate Cruise is intended for 5-12 year old children, but others will be accepted as space allows. The adventure lasts 2 hours. Are you brave enough to come along?
Reservations:
Imatra Big Band Festival Office
Heikinkatu 1, 55100 Imatra
tel + 358 (0)20 747 9400
email: vip@ibbf.fi
Orders can be paid by Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Vuoksi Fishing Park
The shores of the scenic Vuoksi River are a pleasant backdrop to this picnic style concert. Located on a small island (accessible by car), the Vuoksi Fishing Park offers a variety of services for visitors, including fishing, boat rentals, charter cruises on the river, dining, camping and cottage rental.
The picnic concert at the Vuoksi Fishing Park is an all-ages event which is free to everyone.
