Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
Buktafestivalen is located at the beach Telegrafbukta, far above the Arctic Circle, where the midnight sun leads to truly magical concert memories. Photo: Marja Reibo Gundersen
Rock, beer and seafood – northern Norwegian style On a beach right outside Tromsø, the yearly Buktafestivalen has become one of Norway’s most popular festivals. Here, international superstars, national heroes and up-and-coming local bands rock out in the midst of Arctic nature, surprising craft beer and delicious fast food made from fresh Norwegian fish.
offer. Expressed in the classic down-toearth manner of a true local, that means great rock, beer and seafood – and plenty of it.
By Eirik Elvevold
“Rock, beer and seafood is our core philosophy. I think it represents our way of thinking and the sort of party we want to create. We don’t do this to make money, you know. It’s all organised through a non-profit foundation and hundreds of volunteers whose goal is to support the city and the region. We have a responsibility to help lift local bands and suppliers,” argues Pettersen.
Northern Norway is known worldwide for its breathtaking nature, but is also home to a rich rock tradition. Every summer, the two go hand in hand when Buktafestivalen kicks off outside the city of Tromsø.
in 2017, accompanied by international bands such as heavy psych trio Elder and a bunch of Norwegian class acts ranging from the young, energetic punk-rockers in Honningbarna to the recently reunited legends of Midnight Choir.
“The festival takes place at Telegrafbukta, a beach located within walking distance of Tromsø on the south-western tip of the island of Tromsøya. The beach has been the locals’ favourite for a long time, but I think we’re just starting to realise how spectacular it is to take a summer swim while gazing at snow-covered mountains,” explains festival manager Lasse Lauritz Pettersen.
“It’s going to be fantastic to see Midnight Choir live again. When we book bands, we’re always thinking in terms of quality and independence. Our programme might not include the biggest celebrities in the world, but it’s always full of really good rock bands, ranging from old heroes like Iggy Pop, Motörhead and Alice Cooper to local newcomers,” says Pettersen.
The beach will quickly become even more spectacular when Alice Cooper – the godfather of shock rock – takes to the stage 42 | Issue 96 | January 2017
Arctic rock ‘n’ roll Buktafestivalen is more than just a music festival; it is a celebration of northern Norway and everything the region has to
For the local bands, Buktafestivalen has become an important stepping stone to making it in the music industry. “Several new bands from the north, like Kråkesølv, Violet Road and The Late Great, have recently been able to leave their mark on the national music scene. We’re constantly scouting for those types of bands, who might become big one day. Buktafestivalen should be a place where people discover things they didn’t even know they wanted,” says Pettersen.