Mixed Opening For Norwegian Fests

Norway’s festival season had a mixed opening as Bergenfest broke its crowd record, while Norwegian Wood in Oslo suffered disappointing crowds on two of its days.

Bergenfest chief Frank Nes was delighted to report his festival had sold 91 percent of its 6,700-per day capacity.

The first two days, which were headlined by Mark Knopfler and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, did sell out.

The other acts on the four-day bill (June 12-15) included Amy Macdonald, Band of Horses, Biffy Clyro, Jamie Cullum, Noah and the Whale, and Steve Earle & The Dukes.

Nes said the result was “way beyond his expectations” as Bergen endured four days of drizzle throughout the festival.

Further south in Oslo, Norwegian Wood sold about the same number of tickets as Bergenfest, but left festival chief Jørgen Roll feeling disappointed because the day headlined by Karpe Diem and the one with Manic Street Preachers and My Bloody Valentine only did 4,000 apiece.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds headlined before a crowd of 9,000, and 7,000 attended the final night for a lineup headed by Rod Stewart.

Other acts on the Norwegian Wood bill June 13-16 included Keane, Noah And The Whale, Band Of Horses, and Maria Mena.