Finnish long drink Lonkero has found itself a prominent spot at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with a month-long takeover of Summerhall’s courtyard.
Working with local artist Ross Blair of TrenchOne Industries, Lonkero has installed an ‘immersive Finnish experience’ in the space, where festival-goers can enjoy pint-sized serves of the ‘crisp and zingy’ Nordic speciality.
Lonkero is very definitely not a beer, but a brand of Finnish Long Drink, which is a blend of gin, grapefruit and soda water first created to keep international visitors refreshed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
But very much like a beer or cider, at 4.7% ABV, it’s best enjoyed in icy pints or ice cold cans. In the capital, Lonkero is currently on draught at Summerhall, Teuchters Landing and Edinburgh Street Food, and is available in off-licences in six- and twelve-packs.
Kicking off Summerhall’s fundraiser with a £1,000 donation, the brand will also donate 25p to Summerhall for every pint of Lonkero served throughout the Fringe, supporting the venue’s programme of independent arts and performance.
In keeping with its Nordic roots, Lonkero is partnering with Red Nose Company, Finland’s leading clown theatre double-act, who are at the Edinburgh Fringe for the third run of their 5-star show ‘Don Quixote’ at Assembly Studio Two.
Co-founder and director of Lonkero, Joe Harris, said: “Summerhall is everything we love about Edinburgh – creative, bold and proudly independent.
“Lonkero is all about community and eccentricity – it belongs here. From supporting artists and performers to transforming one of the city’s most loved venues, this is more than a brand activation – it’s a love letter to community and creativity.”
Ross Blair of TrenchOne Industries commented: “We wanted to create something that captures the energy of Fringe while nodding to Lonkero’s Nordic roots.
“It’s a mash-up of urban texture, playful geometry and social space – something that invites people in, sparks curiosity, and gives them a place to connect at the creative institution that is Summerhall.”
CEO of Summerhall Arts, Sam Gough, said: “Here at Summerhall Arts we champion innovation and creativity across all artforms and with this partnership this ethos continues.
“This comes at a pivotal point for us as we continue to support and develop the Arts in Edinburgh. So we are encouraging all of our wonderful customers and artists across the Fringe and beyond to help us by enjoying Lonkero, responsibly of course.”
