- We hope as many people as possible will join us at Harstad's beautiful cinema from 1954, a building completed 10 years before the Festival first took shape on a napkin. On stage, we will have a 'people's panel' made up of individuals with extensive experience from the Festival - from the outside, inside, and perhaps even the backstage. We have chosen men and women who are also not known to sit quietly at the back, so this is guaranteed to be both entertaining and delightful, says Festival Director Ragnheiður Skúladóttir.

Focus on the Moments

The pre-party is also a tribute to the photographers of Harstad city - and there are indeed a few. Photography is a crucial balance point in a world full of flickering video and digital design.
"Last year, 'AI-generated' became the word of the year. We look at flashing screens at work, we watch video clips on our phones during lunch breaks, and we often sink into the couch to stream one to four episodes after dinner and news. Photography as a format is different. It captures the moment, and in many ways, it is the closest relative of painting," says producer Anders Erikson.

Actor Hosts

Harstad native and actor Kim Jøran Olsen will co-host alongside singer and actor Ida Holten Worsøe, well-known from performances at Hålogaland Theatre. The hosts will be ready both on stage and in the auditorium with a microphone for anyone who wishes to offer a clarification, share a fresh comment, or express a little sigh.
"I am REALLY looking forward to visiting Harstad again—I have performed at the festival several times during my time at Hålogaland Theatre, and I consider it an honor to be part of celebrating the festival and the people involved in this anniversary," says Ida Holten Worsøe.

The duo will also lead the opening ceremony in Generalhagen the following day, featuring a mix of city and festival history from the stage, surprises, speeches, and guests from both the past and present.
"It's really special to be asked to host the opening of the festival now that it's an anniversary year, and it's always cool to be able to do something on home turf," says Kim Jøran Olsen.
Join us for an anniversary pre-party with a relaxed jacket and a photo album filled with 60 years of Northern Norwegian festival memories!

Free tickets can be obtained here.