The Defence Forces’ MILjazz tour to arrive in Ankkapuisto, Vantaa

The event will kick off at 16:00, when the Defence Forces’ equipment display and its partners’ stands are opened. The visitors will get to see the Guard Jaeger Regiment’s equipment and to learn about the activities of voluntary national defence associations and other partners. There will be stands of the National Defence Training Association of Finland, local reservist associations, Women's National Emergency Preparedness Association, Maanpuolustusnaisten liitto (“Women for National Defence Association”) and Asola volunteer fire brigade, among others, in the area. Soldiers’ Canteen’s services are available throughout the event.

The event is open to public and free of charge. Card payment is preferred at Soldiers’ Canteen service points.

The event is organised by the Guard Jaeger Regiment in cooperation with the City of Vantaa.

MILjazz Event in Vantaa, programme

· 16:00 Equipment display and Soldiers’ Canteen service points open

· 18:00-18:50 Guards Big Band, with soloist Laura Ruusumaa

· 19:10-19:55 Air Force Big Band, with soloist Joonatan Rautio

· 20:15-21:30 Conscript Showband of the Defence Forces

· 20:00 Equipment display area closes

Live music sessions provided by the Guards Band, the oldest professional band in Finland; the ever so groovy Air Force Big Band; and as an electrifying highlight of the night, the Conscript Showband of the Defence Forces. The Guards Band with Laura Ruusumaa will perform new big band arrangements of Tapio Rautavaara’s classics.

The Air Force Big Band (with conductor Ville Paakkunainen) will take the audience to the heat and pulsating rhythms of the Caribbean. The theme is the works of a legendary jazz pianist Michel Camilo. Energetic Latin-American rhythms are spiced up by Joonatan Rautio, one of the most distinguished jazz saxophonists in Finland, performing with the band.

How to get there

Location and time: The Northern end of Ankkapuisto, next to the outdoor exercise area, Korso, Vantaa (Urpiaisentie 31, 01450 Vantaa).

How to get there: We recommend public transport. Korso train station is located about 500 metres from Ankkapuisto. Those coming by bus should get off at a Kalmuuri stop (line 736 from Tikkurila, Vantaa and 739 from Rautatientori (Central Railway Station, Helsinki)). For more information and detailed routes, see Frontpage HSL.fi

Parking: Parking in the vicinity of the event area is forbidden on 5-6 June. Those having parked there will be requested to move their car. The nearest possibility for parking is in the centre of Korso.

Guard Jaeger Regiment and the city of Vantaa wish you welcome to join us for a relaxed summer evening in Ankkapuisto!

For more information about the tour and dates: The Defence Forces’ summer tour MILjazz 2026