The first day of Ankea Festival on June 5th, 2026, at Hiedanranta in Tampere, delivered exactly what many progressive music fans in Finland had been waiting for: a diverse lineup filled with boundary-pushing artists, stunning performances, and more than a few surprises.
From the atmospheric sounds of VIRTA and the delightful chaos of CIRCLE to the crushing intensity of EARTHSIDE, the dreamy soundscapes of GOD IS AN ASTRONAUT, and the psychedelic energy of SLIFT, the day offered something for every kind of prog enthusiast. Add memorable performances by KÆLAN MIKLA, IHSAHN, LEPROUS, and THIS WILL DESTROY YOU, and it quickly became clear that Ankea Festival had arrived with a bang.
Relive the first day of the festival through our photo gallery below or read the festival’s first day report here.
Demonic Death Judge
Virta
Circle
Earthside
God Is An Astronaut
Slift
Ihsahn
Kælan Mikla
Leprous
This Will Destroy You
Photos by Laureline Tilkin & Marco Manzi
