Notodden Blues Festival
Vestfold og Telemark
The Notodden Blues Festival is a renowned annual music event held in Notodden, Telemark, Norway. Established in 1988, it has grown from selling approximately 2,000 tickets in its inaugural year to attracting over 18,000 ticket buyers and an estimated 31,400 visitors to its official events by 2011. The festival is widely recognized as one of the best blues festivals in Europe and has received prestigious awards, including the Telemark County Cultural Prize in 1998 and the Keeping The Blues Alive Award from the American Blues Foundation in 2010. It features performances by internationally acclaimed artists and fosters a strong collaboration with the Norwegian labor organization LO, which sponsors solidarity concerts during the festival. The event also honors significant contributors to the Scandinavian blues scene through the NBF Blues Prize, awarded annually since 1991. The festival's vibrant atmosphere and dedication to blues music culture make it a unique cultural highlight in Norway and Northern Europe.
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Tip: The festival usually takes place annually and attracts large crowds, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. The best time to visit is during the festival period, typically in August. Visitors can benefit from discounts offered to groups and members of affiliated organizations. It is advisable to check the official website for detailed schedules, ticketing information, and accommodation options to ensure a smooth experience.
Interesting facts
- •Notodden Blues Festival is considered one of the best blues festivals in Europe.
- •The festival won the Telemark County Cultural Prize in 1998.
- •In 2010, it received the Keeping The Blues Alive Award from the American Blues Foundation.
- •The festival attracts over 30,000 visitors during its official events.
- •It has a longstanding collaboration with the Norwegian labor organization LO, which sponsors solidarity concerts.
- •Since 1991, the festival has awarded the NBF Blues Prize to notable contributors to Scandinavian blues.
History
The Notodden Blues Festival was first organized in 1988, starting modestly with about 2,000 tickets sold.
Over the decades, it expanded significantly, becoming one of Northern Europe's largest blues festivals.
In 1998, it received the Telemark County Cultural Prize, recognizing its cultural impact.
The festival gained international recognition in 2010 when it was awarded the Keeping The Blues Alive Award by the American Blues Foundation, marking it as a world-class blues event.
Throughout its history, the festival has maintained strong ties with the Norwegian labor movement, particularly the LO union, which has been a main sponsor and supporter.
Contact
Phone: 35 02 76 50
