The original driver of establishing The European Capital of Culture was to encourage cultural diversity throughout Europe. The title has been held by 68 cities across the continent since Athens in 1985 and, for the first time ever, it will be held north of the Arctic Circle, in Bodø, northern Norway in 2024.
Bodø 2024 and the surrounding Nordland region are organising more than a thousand events, beginning with a grand opening ceremony on February 3. The Bodø 2024 cultural event in northern Norway is the biggest and most ambitious one to date in Northern Norway, with an investment of 310 million NOK (£24 million) in the area.
For the prestigious “Capital of Culture” title to move so far north may surprise some, but insiders know better. The Bodø region, like the rest of Norway, has made substantial investments in the cultural sector. Investment in new cultural centres, a new concert hall, and a flourishing music and festival scene complement the area’s rich culinary tradition, drawing in visitors for culture and breathtaking scenery. This flurry of activity is predicted to lead to a significant increase in visitor numbers.
Although events for this year-long celebration are already underway, Bodø 2024 fires the official starting pistol on February 3rd. At that official opening concert at the award-winning Stormen Konserthus, Queen Sonja gives her royal stamp of approval to the festival. The opening ceremony’s official anthem, Aspirations, written by Norwegian composer Alexander Aarøen, will be performed during the ceremony. The piece, according to Aarøen, is a symphonic poem meant to motivate future generations.
The opening ceremony isn’t just restricted to royalty and VIPs and is something that the entire city gets into. After the concert hall, the action moves out to Bodø marina, where a magnificent floating stage – sure to be the showpiece of the event – hosts the spectacular finale to the opening day.
Created and produced by phase7 from Berlin in collaboration with Nordland Teater, the opening ceremony is sure to be a spectacular event, broadcast live on Norwegian TV channelnrk and attended by more than 20,000 people.
Norway celebrates Sámi National Day (Feb.6) just three days after the opening ceremony, and the region’s programming throughout the year-long celebration takes inspiration from the local communities that shape this part of northern Norway.
Sámi National Day is celebrated all over the country on the anniversary of the first Sámi Conference in 1917. The city of Bodø and the Nordland region, which is home to numerous Sámi communities, hold a particular significance on this day. Bodø 2024 programming places a strong emphasis on Sámi culture, and for the entire year, the Nordland Museum will transform into the Bådåddjo Musea, a museum dedicated to Sámi art and culture.
A trilogy of plays created by the Southern Sámi Theatre and commissioned specifically for Bodø 2024 also showcase Sámi culture. Immerse yourself in ÁRRAN 360°, a fusion of indigenous storytelling and modern technology, set in the largest lavvu in the world – a traditional Sámi temporary home, resembling a teepee in design.
Accredited divers are required to participate in the most exclusive of the many thrilling offers set against the breath-taking scenery of the area. The unusual audience requirement is because local saxophonist Håkon Skog Erlandsen will be performing in a submerged cave with other musicians for The Cave. The concert will be broadcast live to dry land audience members around the world in case they can’t don their scuba gear.
The region’s world-renowned wildlife is celebrated in a new symphonic composition, The Sound of Silence, inspired by the natural environment surrounding Bodø. The composition explores the plight of endangered seabirds that inhabit this region.
Visitors are increasingly drawn to northern Norway for its culinary reputation, in addition to its rich culture and stunning landscapes. Nevertheless, one of the most captivating operas of the year – described by the Financial Times as “the most moving work of music theatre ever to be written about dried fish” – is based on an older culinary tradition.
Even though the Querini Opera has already been staged in Venice, the story of Pietro Querini – a merchant who, in the 15th century, brought salted cod to Venice from the Lofoten islands now comes full circle. A third of the residents on the Lofoten island of Røst have been involved in the ambitious project.
Northern Norway is moulded by the changing seasons, which bring with them the longest summer nights and the darkest of winters. As a part of Bodø 2024, one of the largest midsummer parties will take place in Breivika, just outside Bodø. The local community and British theatre company Walk The Plank will collaborate to create a unique celebration of Sankthans (midsummer day) and the summer solstice that includes bonfires, food, theatre, dance, and music.
Even though the UK doesn’t have direct flights to Bodø, getting there is a breeze via Oslo. From there, connecting flights to Bodø airport, which is conveniently located in the city centre, take just 80 minutes. Because of how close it is, many passengers opt to walk rather than take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the city centre. Those travelling from the UK have the option to purchase their tickets through SAS, Norwegian, or Widerøe.
If you have more time and are looking for an adventurous trip, one of the world’s most picturesque train trips is the Nordlandsbanen, which takes just under 10 hours and travels from Trondheim to Bodø. Alternatively, you can arrive in Bodø by sea on the famous Hurtigruten Coastal Express.
No matter what path a traveller takes to reach northern Norway in 2024, they will have the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture. Bodø 2024 proves that culture is not limited to our large urban centres – this northernmost cultural celebration has everything to offer, whether it’s theatre, music, art, photography, storytelling, or simply explorations of nature, landscape, and cuisine.
For all the details about Bodø 2024, go to www.bodo2024.no
