As an international arts festival, Festspillene i Nord-Norge is one of the largest multidisciplinary festivals in Scandinavia, with a rare geographical, demographic and cultural reach. 

As we have seen the COVID-19 pandemic evolve, the festival staff have worked with different solutions and alternatives to be able to carry out this year's edition. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly clear that this will not be possible. 

We have therefore, together with our board, made the decision to cancel Festspillene i Nord-Norge 2020. 

I know that for our audience, volunteers, artists, suppliers, industry and business partners, Festspillene is highly appreciated and valued, making this decision even more difficult and disappointing. At the same time, I ensure you all that we will, as soon as possible, start preparing the presentation of outstanding music, dance, theatre and visual arts in Harstad for the 2021 edition.

On behalf of all of us at Festspillene i Nord-Norge, I hope you and your loved ones are safe in this difficult time. Our thoughts are with those at the forefront, dealing with the pandemic, as well as those who experience insecurity related to their health and livelihood. 

Thank you for your support and take care – we’ll meet in June 2021!

Ragnheiður Skúladóttir 

Festspilldirektør
Festspillene i Nord-Norge