NEWS

David John Smith for Norway Communicates.

The region is rich in history, tradition, tourist opportunities, business success and interesting, friendly people. There is a lot happening in the much-proclaimed “Music City” this spring and summer, and here is just a taste of what you can expect:

Nidaros Blues Festival April 27 – May 1, 2011
The annual Nidaros Blues Festival is the natural way to kick off the very first taste of the long summer in Trondheim. Hosted at the fashionable Royal Garden Hotel, the festival features a long line of blues favorites in both small intimate concerts as well as larger musical events. International favorites include Loudon Wainwright III, Imeda May, Candi Staton, and Joe Bonamass. Indeed, there is something for everyone – even a mini-blues festival for the children. Don’t wait or hesitate – take the long weekend to Trondheim and the Nidaros Blues Festival website.

Trondheim Jazz Festival May 11 –14, 2011
The music doesn’t stop as we move into the middle of the month of May and the annual Trondheim Jazz Festival. This year, nearly 50 separate concerts large and small will be held at six different venues over the four days of the Festival.

Jazz roots run deep here in mid-Norway, with the Jazz Department and its students at the University of Trondheim being the intensely creative core of the Festival that has been held under different names and formats since the 1970s when the name “JazzMazz” brought enthusiasts together here. Don’t miss this one, see the Trondheim Jazz Festival website for more information.

2011 World Beard and Moustache Championship May 15, 2011
The biennial World Beard and Moustache Championships, the prestigious global facial hair event will be held this year in Trondheim. From the Dali Moustache to the Musketeer to the always exciting sideburns freestyle competition, facial hair enthusiast from all over the world will be vying for honors in no less than 16 categories. Even if you cannot make it to this colorful event, take a look at the 2011 World Beard and Moustache website – and you might just change your mind!

Nordenfjeldske Sailing Week July 13 – 17, 2011
For the 59th time, the tradition-filled Nordenfjeldske Sailing Week will be held as sailing enthusiasts from Norway and beyond converge on the city of Trondheim and the waters beyond to show their mastery of the wind and sea. From the opening on Wednesday to the last breakfast on Sunday, different races, activities, entertainment and social gatherings will make the Nordenfjeldske Sailing Week and Trondheim the place to be.

Trøndelag Local Food Festival July 28 – 30,  2011
Some say that the reason people in mid-Norway are so happy is that they eat so well – something that the Trøndelag Food Festival is going to show for the 6th straight years as the creativity and culinary craft of the locals are put on display to the enjoyment of those attending this enjoyable event. For details, contact the host Oi! Trøndersk Mat og Drikke (Food and Drink), information on their website.

St. Olav’s Church and Culture Festival July 28 – August 4, 2011
Religious tradition runs deep here in Trondheim, centered about the thousand-year old Nidaros Cathedral, the location where Norway crowned its kings. It is also the final resting place for St. Olav, the former Viking king who converted the country to Christianity in the 11th century. This makes Nidaros and Trondheim special in the hearts of many, especially the locals who still consider “Trondhjem” to be the true capital of the country.

It also makes it the natural host for Norway’s largest church and cultural festival “Olavsfestdagene”. In addition to religious service and prayer that open the event and honor St. Olav’s day on July 28th, there will be a wide range of cultural activities and music events during the week, held in over 25 different venues throughout the city. 

Experience a week of culture, music, religious traditions, and where Norway crowned its kings in the location many call the “true capital of Norway”. See the informative St. Olav’s Church and Culture Festival website for more information.

Pstereo Pop & Rock Festival  August 19 – 20, 2011 
Rounding out a summer of music, festivals and fun is the always popular Pstereo Pop & Rock Festival held at what many called Trondheim’s most idyllic setting. “Marinen” is located all the way down by Nidelva (Nid River), with the nearest neighbor being the famous cathedral Nidarosdomen. This year there will be four different stages featuring a variety of musical acts from the United, Scandinavia, and of course, Norway. For more information and tickets, see the Pstereo website.

Spring and summertime is the right time to visit – right now in 2011 to be exact. Make your plans to experience Trondheim.