I interviewed a photographer earlier this year who said he enjoys the shorter days of winter as it gives him time to go over all the work he did in summer.

While it’s not that dark yet, I do enjoy going over the pictures I took when we were too busy to stop and look.

Such as these photos from Flow Festival, which we attended in August and I included as one of my 101 reasons to visit Helsinki.

Held over three days this music and arts festival was established in 2004. As well as big acts it showcases bands you may not have come across but are bound to hear more of over the next 12 months.

Held in the former industrial area of Suvilahti, the easiest way to arrive is by bicycle and there are also free buses from Central Station.

The site was once home to a power plant and the organisers make great use of the space.

On Sunday there’s also family-friendly time, with activities set up for children.

The food is great, with some of Helsink’s top restaurants represented, each offering a vegetarian option.

Drinks are not cheap but there are recycling stations around giving one euro back for every can returned, meaning the festival grounds are nearly spotless.

In some ways it feels like a ‘grown up’ festival with bars serving specialty beers or selling only gin-based cocktails.

There were loads of different seating areas…

…with lots of different seats….

….and bands performing indoors and out.

I’m always struck by how well-behaved people are at events in Finland, as while there is loads of alcohol consumed the feeling is generally aggression free.

As the sun went down we watched Beck and Florence and the Machine before it was time to get me home.

I had enjoyed too many cocktails and as I unlocked my bike nearly started a domino effect involving 2000 bicycles before Jonathan intervened.

Something else to reflect upon perhaps over the coming dark winter months….

Flow Festival