Festivals and music

Photo: Ólavur Frederiksen

The internationally recognised and atmospheric G! Festival in Gøta

Who would believe that international music stars like Lukas Graham, Toto, Mø and Beth Hart have performed live in the Faroe Islands? Well, it’s true. The islands may only have a population about 53,000, but when it comes to attracting big names to headline the two large music festivals of the year, G! And the Summar Festival, the Faroes punch well above their weight.

The internationally recognised G! Festival, taking place in mid-July, attracts both major Scandinavian acts as well as international headliners. It is also the perfect place to experience a wide range of up-andcoming and established Faroese artists. The G! in the name comes from its location, the scenic village of Gøta on Eysturoy. The unique venues include a beach, a playground, and a barn. Go for a swim in the ocean or take a dip in one of the popular wooden hot tubs on the sand, while listening to artists play anything from pop, gospel, rap, metal, electro and every genre in between. The G! Festival caters to a wide variety of tastes and genre preferences, while offering its guests unique experiences, such as food tastings, pop up concerts, performance art, markets and the chance to run into local musicians. When the concerts stop, you can dance until you drop at the DJ stage sporting domestic and foreign DJ’s. See more at www.gfestival.fo

The Summar Festival, held in the heart of Klaksvík in early August, is the biggest music event in the

Photo: Olaf Olsen

The vibrant festival Voxbotn in Tórshavn

Faroe Islands. The festival is especially well-suited for the entire family as it offers an area designated for children, a festive party atmosphere with the characteristic Faroese communal singing, and a musical legend or two as a headliner. Belting out the hits from three different stages, international and Faroese artists woo the crowds, who flock to Klaksvík for the concerts – some even staying overnight in tents, caravans and boats for the event. See more at www.summarfestivalurin.fo

Voxbotn is a 12-hour, non-stop pop festival, right in the heart of the Faroese capital, so there’s no need to think that Tórshavn misses out on the fun! Held during the last weekend in June, concerts are staged along the quayside, Undir Bryggjubakka, and in and around the square, Vágsbotn. The backdrop of yachts and boats bobbing in the harbour, and the multicoloured old warehouses that line the waterfront here, is picture-postcard perfect. See more at www. facebook.com/voxbotn.

Looking for specialist music? We’ve got that covered too. Every summer, as part of the Summartónar festival, classical music concerts are held at various locations across the islands – in churches, village halls – and even in a grotto in the cliffs on the island of Hestur. The festival is an opportunity for composers and musicians to take their music out into the villages and get up close to their audience. Forget any idea of huge concert halls; the Summartónar festival is all about intimacy. And what could be more intimate than sitting in a rowing boat, listening to the sounds of classical music echo around the grotto on Hestur, in the half-light? See more at www.composers.fo. Fans of country and blues won’t be disappointed either. The picturesque village of Sørvágur is the location of the annual Country & Blues Festival, where line-dancing between hay bales and barbecuing right on the seafront are just part of the fun as international and local musicians entertain the crowds. See more at www.country.fo.

At any time of year, you may find a concert being held in someone’s home. These “living room concerts”, as they’re known, could be anything from pop to classical, blues to hip-hop – you simply take your place on the sofa or in a comfy chair and enjoy the music up close. See more at www.hoymabit. fo, www.heima.fo, www.facebook.com/hoymafestival/ and www.fljod.com. The Nordic House in the Faroe Islands is a vibrant cultural venue and is host to various musical events throughout the year. In addition to regular concerts with local and international music artists in various genres, annual music events include a Folk Festival, Barnafestivalurin (festival for children), Stella Polaris (classical music competition) and Vetrarjazz (jazz festival). See more at www.nlh.fo. If you want an overview of musical events and concerts in music venues and bars in general, be sure to visit www.whatson.fo/en