Swedish presidency: festivals in the spotlight
New year, new president for the Council of the EU. From 1 January 2023 and until 30 June, Sweden is assuming the EU presidency. This means that Sweden holds an important role this term in the European Union.
This month we highlight Swedish festivals: Because Sweden is presiding the Council of the EU and above all there are several inspiring festivals coming up. We invite you to (re)discover the rich programme of these festivals. Have a look at our selection here below.
16 – 18 February 2023
Norrköping, Sweden
Future Echoes is Sweden’s leading international showcase festival. The festival will have 100 artists from around the world and an international music conference with international speakers. It is held at several venues in central Norrköping.
The festival has gotten off to a good start and already has several international collaborations with artist exchanges, through the collaboration with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Norrköping. Future Echoes is run by the non-profit association Discover Sensation.
Check the programme on their website.
Picture: FestivalFinder.eu.
XXII Stockholm Early Music Festival (SEMF)
01 – 06 June 2023
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Early Music Festival is the largest international event in the Nordic countries for baroque, renaissance and medieval music. Its most noticeable characteristics are variation and quality. The festival highlights the diversity of early music, offering a wide programme of music from all over the world, featuring well-renowned Swedish and international artists and inspiring artists to be discovered.
The festival, founded and led by Peter Pontvik, has been held annually in the historical setting of Stockholm’s Old Town since 2002, in the unique summer atmosphere of early June. The programme includes all-day concerts, seminars and masterclasses. World-top profiles such as Jordi Savall, Les Arts Florissants, Anne-Sofie von Otter, Freiburger Barockorkester, Philippe Jaroussky, Concentus Musicus Wien, Collegium Vocale Gent and Ton Koopman can be noticed in the trajectory of the festival.
It's never too late for early music!
Check the programme and ticket release (21 March – Early Music Day) on their website.
Picture: FestivalFinder.eu.
31 July – 05 August 2023
Helsingør, Denmark
Helsingborg, Sweden
PASSAGE Festival is an international street theatre festival uniting the Danish city of Helsingør and the Swedish city of Helsingborg across the Sound in a unique collaboration between Helsingør Theatre and Dunkers Culture House in Helsingborg.
Since 2004, local anchorage, public space and an artistic programme of high quality are all focal points for PASSAGE, creating artistic experiences in public space - in the old city centres or the peripheral housing areas. The festival unites international impulses and high-quality artistic creations with a strong focus on rooting these in the local communities.
With 150 to 200 performances at each festival, it is one of Northern Europe’s largest living street theatre festivals. Discover this diverse, accessible and enjoyable festival!
Learn more on their website.
Picture: FestivalFinder.eu.
29 August – 02 September 2023
Stockholm, Sweden
Stoff is a multidisciplinary arts platform for local and international artists to present their innovative work ranging from performance to installation art and anything in between. The festival stands for artistic freedom and focuses on out-of-the-box and “alternative” works that may not fit into mainstream performance or exhibition spaces. Stoff is a chance for arts practitioners to test new ideas, network and collaborate with other artists, develop work, and get inspired. Part of Nordic Fringe Network.
Don’t miss the opportunity! Get inspired and check the programme on their website.
Picture: FestivalFinder.eu.
Seriefest I Väst (West Coast Comics festival)
23 – 29 October 2023
A festival about comics, for the comics reader as well as the comic artist. A full week with workshops, talks, interviews, exhibitions and more about comics. The whole festival is admission free and for all ages.
The festival is organised at various venues in Gothenburg and VGR, to brighten up the autumn with comics drawn by local, national and some international cartoonists. You may recognise names like Johan Wanloo, Christina Jonsson and Max Gustafson when you see their series in newspapers, online and in Västplanket.
Check their website to know more about the festival and their programme.
Picture: FestivalFinder.eu.
Other Swedish festivals taking place this year:
Winter Festival 'Magical Words', 15 - 19 February 2023
Malmö Sommarscen, 17 June - 30 July 2023
All My Friends Are Stars Music Festival 2023 - 8th edition, 08 July - 20 August 2023
Sommarmusic at Lundsberg 2023, 08 – 15 July 2023
Yoga Mela, 15 - 22 July 2023
Norrköping Music Day, 22 August 2023
Gothenburg Fringe Festival 2023, 01 - 10 September 2023
The Storytelling Festival (Berättarfestivalen), 16 - 22 October 2023
