One of Norway’s longest-running festivals, Førde Traditional and World Music Festival first took place in 1990 out of a desire to celebrate the strong tradition of folk music in the region. The idea for an international folk music festival came from a charismatic bureaucrat who recognised the potential for showcasing this musical heritage to a wider audience. With his vision and drive, he was able to secure the necessary funding and resources to make the festival a reality.

Since its inception, Forde Festival (in short) has grown in popularity and become a cultural landmark in Norway, attracting both local and international artists and audiences. The festival usually takes place over four days in early July (this year’s  edition will take place between Wednesday the 5th and Sunday the 9th of July) and features a diverse lineup of local and international artists from various genres, including rock, pop, folk, and world music. Known for its diverse lineup of music and cultural events, as well as its commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, the festival uses renewable energy sources and encourages attendees to use public transportation or carpool to reduce their carbon footprint.

Despite the challenges posed by organising a large-scale event, the organisers of the Forde Festival have continued to maintain their passion and dedication to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region through music and art. Their efforts have made Forde Festival a beloved and enduring tradition in Norway that offers a unique and engaging experience for music and culture lovers in a beautiful natural setting.

Rhythm Passport sat down with Torill Gundersen, the Communication Manager of the Festival, to find out more about the event and this year’s highlights.

How has the Forde Festival evolved since its inception, and what is new at the Forde Festival this year?

Over the years, the festival has undergone significant changes. Starting as a small gathering, it quickly gained popularity and doubled in attendance. With each passing year, the festival earned a reputation for its fascinating programming, drawing in a curious audience of true music lovers. Its slogan, “The world meets in Førde!”, further amplified its reach and appeal.

This year, we have made some changes to the festival’s programming. We are replacing the traditional Saturday night gala with a Scottish/Irish concert that promises to be an unforgettable experience for our attendees. Additionally, we are introducing a new concept called “musical siesta,” which we’ve borrowed from another festival. This concept will offer festival-goers the opportunity to find a comfortable seat, sit on a pillow, and have a ‘zen moment’ while enjoying the music of the Senegalese / French duo Ablaye Cissokho and Cyrille Brotto.

What is your vision for the Forde Festival, and how do you go about curating the lineup each year?

We showcase the rich heritage of acoustic traditional music from across the globe. Each year, we carefully select a theme and curate a program that reflects the cultural nuances and musical diversity of the chosen theme. Our themes have ranged from geographical ones, such as the Iberian Peninsula, French emotions, and Brazil, to political ones, including Flight, Oppression, and Women’s World. We have also explored other themes like the intersection of dance and music and the relationship between music and nature.

In the past, we have highlighted themes that address pressing social issues, such as Music in Times of Crisis. However, this year, we have chosen a more uplifting and positive theme: Dreams. We want to celebrate the power of imagination, hope, and happiness through music.

How is the Forde Festival funded, and how difficult is it to gather the necessary finances to run Forde Festival?

The festival receives funding from a variety of sources, including the Cultural Council, as well as the region and municipality of Sunnfjord, with Førde being the central hub of activity. These contributions are critical to ensuring that we can continue to showcase the world’s diverse musical traditions to our audience year after year. In addition, we get funding for commissioned works, and conference programs, and we also have some important private sponsors. 

What role do you see music festivals playing in the wider cultural landscape, and how do you aim to contribute to that?

The festival is widely recognised as a unique and distinctive cultural event in Norway, and we are committed to maintaining the high standards we have set for ourselves. Our programming emphasises acts and performers that are often overlooked by other festivals in the region, with a focus on showcasing the highest quality of sound and musicianship across all genres. We pride ourselves on being a festival for true music lovers, and we strive to challenge our audiences by presenting new and diverse ideas and cultural perspectives from around the world, while also preserving and celebrating our own musical heritage.

Our commitment to featuring female artists and musicians has always been a priority for us, and we continue to prioritise gender equity as an essential part of our festival’s identity. 

How do you ensure that the Forde Festival is accessible and inclusive for all attendees, regardless of their background or abilities?

Our festival is a vibrant and inclusive cultural gathering that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. We are proud to offer a diverse program that caters to families and children, with a range of free concerts and activities that take place throughout the city centre.

What kind of impact do you hope the Forde festival will have on the local community, and how do you involve local businesses and residents in the event?

The festival has been a resounding success right from its beginning. Over the years, it has established a presence not only in the local community but also on the national and international stage. The festival is highly respected for its outstanding work, and people are consistently amazed by our ability to continually present new and exciting acts. Many have been curious to know how we manage to discover such incredible musicians. While we have secured support from local sponsors and cooperations, our team is still grappling with the challenge of finding a national or even international sponsor. 

How do you measure the success of the Forde Festival, and what metrics do you use to evaluate its impact?

Førdefestivalen truly puts the town of Førde on the map, and the loyalty of our audience speaks for itself. According to our surveys, an overwhelming 8 or 9 out of 10 festival-goers return to Førde for the festival after their first visit. Our devoted audience is the core of the festival, and we eagerly await their return now that the pandemic years are behind us.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the music industry, and how do you incorporate that into the Forde festival?

We have a highly committed artistic director who brings a wealth of experience to her role. Prior to assuming her position in 2022, she spent many years actively engaged in tracking global music trends and developments. Additionally, as members of the Forum for World Wide Music Festivals, we benefit from a well-established international network and regularly attend the influential WOMEX music conference and showcase event, where we connect with peers in the music industry.

Please give us a short rundown of this year’s highlights.

We are excited to present the lineup for this year’s Førde festival. Leading the charge is Leyla McCalla, the Haitian American artist whose performance we’ve eagerly anticipated for many years. Then we have Cimarrón, the Colombian stars who previously played at the Forde festival stage 13 years ago. Making their Førde debut are Scottish Breabach and Khusugtun from Mongolia, who promise to bring their unique sounds and energy to our audience.

Additionally, we are thrilled to host the amazing Yungchen Lhamo from Tibet, who will perform a special concert in the church. Our festival hotel will also be hosting several groovy nights featuring Bab L’Bluz, Nkumba System, and Kanda Bongo Man, along with the quintet Gangar, who represent the young and vibrant Norwegian music scene.

With 30 different venues, our festival offers a range of small and intimate spaces, as well as larger ones that create different atmospheres for our audiences to enjoy. We take pride in our diverse and welcoming atmosphere, which has always been appreciated by our audience.

- Follow Førde Traditional and World Music Festival on Instagram or Facebook and get your ticket/s for the event HERE -