When you are on holiday in Helgeland, there are many tempting festivals. Here are some of the biggest ones.
Træna Festival
One of the most exciting ways to experience the Helgeland coast is to attend the Træna Festival, one of the most amazing cultural events in Northern Norway. The Træna Festival invariably features musicians of great artistic integrity, and the spectacular scenic surroundings make it truly memorable.
With concerts at the festival venues, in the beautiful Petter Dass chapel and in the amazing cave of Kirkhelleren, it is as though all of Træna becomes enlivened with great music!
Verket Festival in Mo i Rana
The annual Verket Music Festival is held at the end of each summer in Mo i Rana. The festival takes place within walking distance of the town centre, at Revelen, formerly the site of the vast ironworks of Norsk Jernverk, which has given the festival its name.
Over the years, many of Scandinavia’s most prominent artists have performed here, including Håkan Hellström, Karpe, Veronica Maggio and Susanne Sundfør. This two-day festival always features a special children’s programme on Saturday morning. 2022 will mark the 14th Verket Festival.
The Roots Festival in Brønnøysund
In the middle of each summer, Brønnøysund invites people from near and far to a four-day festival. The programme is always a fascinating mix of local musicians with artists known nationally and internationally. The town of Brønnøysund seems dressed for the occasion, and in the festival arena, quality food based on local ingredients is prominent.
The music pub KRED holds “Roots Nights”, with club concerts all week. Each year the festival selects one or more festival artists who are given exhibitions in Brønnøysund. The festival celebrated its 20th year in 2021
The Harbour Festival in Sandnessjøen
The locals refer to this festival, called Havnafestivalen in Norwegian, as simply “Havna”. It takes place in Sandnessjøen the second weekend in August every year. Energy around the festival stages is simply electric, and this musical celebration is always a great way to round off the summer holidays. The festival offers music for every taste, which explains its wide appeal. The list of artists and bands that have performed here include Joddski, Halvdan Sivertsen, The September When, Admiral P, Dagny, and many more.
Festspillene Helgeland
Festspillene Helgeland is a festival where artists and performers have free rein, and where you, the visitor, are the focus. The festival program consists of a large number of events and exhibitions. There will be city festivities, a summer music school, an art festival, wild concerts, groundbreaking exhibitions, and activities for the little ones. There is something for all ages and every taste. Festspillene offers eight days of varied and unique experiences, in Mosjøen and throughout Helgeland.
At Festspillene Helgeland, you will be inspired, challenged, and provoked – moved in every possible way by what you experience.
The festival concludes with a huge outdoor party held on Sjøgata street, the historic heart of Mosjøen that dates from the 19th century. That final event usually gathers around 5000 joyous people, visitors and locals.
