Førdefestivalen - Folk music organizer of the year 2017

Director Hilde Bjørkum thanks volunteers, supporting players, audience and musicians. Førdefestivalen received the award as FOLK MUSIC ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR 2017 during the industry event FOLKELARM which took place 16-19 November at Riksscenen in Oslo. Photo: Knut Utler

Førdefestivalen has been named FOLK MUSIC ORGANIZER OF THE YEAR 2017. The award was presented at the industry fair FOLKELARM which took place in Oslo the weekend of November 16-19. 

Director Hilde Bjørkum is very happy to receive the organizer award. -There are many talented folk music organizers out there, each with different qualities. That Førdefestivalen This time we came out on top in the awards, we are of course very pleased with, and not least proud of. We work hard every year to present folk music not only from Norway and the Nordic countries, but also from the rest of the world. I am lucky to have a skilled staff who create the conditions to give everyone the best experiences, but we must also share this award with all our volunteers, good support players over many years, a loyal and interested audience - and not least all the skilled musicians we are so lucky to present in Førde ! 
 

This is what the jury said:

This year, FolkOrg is awarding the award for “Folk Music Organizer of the Year” for the sixth time. Previously, the award has gone to Columbi Egg, Riksscenen, Kalottspel, Naustedalen fiddlers' club and Valdres folk music event. This year, FolkOrg is giving the award to an organizer who has the ability to create interest and enthusiasm for dance and music through good events.

The winner of this year's award is an experienced organizer. The festival has put the genre on the map, both nationally and globally. Since 1990, the festival has grown in size, and is an important showcase for Norwegian folk music abroad. For many years, the festival has been ranked as one of the best festivals in its category in the international music magazine Songlines, and has been named one of Europe's best festivals by both The Guardian and National Geographic. With over 25,000 visitors, the theme in 2017 was "The Sound of the North!"

FolkOrg says as Igor Dunderovic in his article in Ballade; "Yes, fine Førde , we are impressed!”

About the price

The Folk Music Organizer of the Year is chosen by the board of FolkOrg based on nominations. They select three nominees for the award and one winner. The three nominees this year were:
Førdefestivalen
Your home
Big Mountain Meeting

The criteria for this year's selection were:
FolkOrg will give the award for folk music organizer of the year 2017 to an organizer who has the ability to create interest and enthusiasm for dance and music, through good events.

Previous winners of the award are:
2016: Valdres folk music event
2015: Naustedalen fiddlers' group
2014: Calottespel
2013: The National Stage
2012: Columbine Egg