Four decades after its first edition, Nummirock once again proved why it remains one of Finland’s most beloved metal festivals. The legendary event celebrated its 40th anniversary at Nummijärvi over Midsummer weekend, welcoming 18,000 festivalgoers for four days of heavy music, community, and unforgettable summer memories.

This year’s anniversary edition brought together a diverse lineup that balanced legendary names, international stars, and the next generation of metal talent. Among the festival’s biggest attractions were American rockers Black Veil Brides, Norwegian black metal icons Satyricon, British power metal giants Gloryhammer, and Finnish metal powerhouse Battle Beast, who closed Saturday night with their first Finnish performance featuring their new lineup.

The anniversary celebrations also included several special moments for longtime Nummirock fans. Finnish punk veterans Boycott returned to the festival stage after a remarkable 34-year absence, while folk metal legends Moonsorrow delivered one of their increasingly rare performances on home soil. As has become a beloved Nummirock tradition, Eläkeläiset once again brought their unmistakable humppa energy to the Saturday afternoon crowd.

The festival also continued its role as a launching pad for emerging talent. The Wacken Metal Battle Finland competition was won by Noiduin, whose shamanic-inspired sound impressed both the audience and the judges.

While the music remained at the center of the weekend, Nummirock’s famous camping atmosphere once again played a major role in the festival experience. Many attendees arrived days before the event officially began, transforming the lakeside camping area into a colorful community of dedicated metal fans. New luxury glamping tents and cabins, introduced for the first time this year, sold out well in advance.

“For many people, Nummirock is much more than just another festival,” promoter Tero Viertola commented. “The festival crowd puts an incredible amount of effort into their outfits year after year, and the campsites our visitors build for themselves are truly amazing.”

The anniversary year also featured several unique additions, including newly released Nummirock-themed songs by participating artists and the festival’s first-ever official wines.

Perhaps most importantly, the event passed without any major disturbances, allowing fans and artists alike to focus on celebrating the spirit that has defined Nummirock for 40 years.

“The significance of this anniversary was special for the entire team,” Viertola said. “A festival with such a long history deserves to be taken care of for the future as well. I want to thank everyone who worked hard to make this year possible. We already have ideas for next year’s lineup, and offers for the first bookings are already being prepared.”

With another successful chapter written into its history, Nummirock has already set its sights on the future.

Nummirock 2027 will take place from June 23–26, 2027.