BARNERIKET – what happens when children get to decide?

Fra Jadagen 2023. Foto: Renate Jensen

During the Festival, you can get a free haircut, psychological advice, or a tattoo – all from children.

During the festival week, children can participate in "Kompani Krakkaveldi" – a series of workshops where they can try out different skills and decide how they want to express themselves each day. Every day will have a different focus, culminating in the grand finale on Saturday, June 29th with YES Day in SNN Park.

- The children can expect a variety of activities that give them an active role throughout the workshops. We aim to give them the opportunity to express themselves in various ways, such as hairdressing and psychological counseling, says Eirin Lindtner Storesund, producer of performing arts and the Children's Festival at the Festspillene i Nord-Norge.

Inviting adults to visit

- In "Barneriket" (Children's Kingdom), we invite adults to come to SNN Park on the children's terms. Here, they have been introduced to tattoo design with Wenche Eilertsen from Red Monkey Corp and hairdressing with professional hairdressers. Additionally, psychologist Anne Karin Arvola will give children a basic introduction to psychological counseling, where they learn how to support others who need advice, she says, and is confident that the children will excel at this.

Yes to everything

The grand finale, YES DAY, takes place in SNN Park on Saturday, June 29th. On this day, the park is run by the children themselves, and adults can get a haircut, a tattoo, life advice, a mocktail, or join in a dance.

- We have brought in very skilled mentors, so we believe this will be rewarding for all visitors.

She adds that it is important for the festival that the children feel engaged and valued.

Children in the driver's seat

- Barneriket and YES Day aim to give children a platform where they can explore different skills and interests. We want to inspire them and let them take the lead. By offering varied activities, we hope to give them memories that last a lifetime, she says, adding that parents can still register their children for the workshops.

- But we encourage everyone to act quickly, as the spots fill up fast, says Storesund.