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Traena Music Festival 2016 - in the Land of the Midnight Sun
  • Traena is really a series of islands miles off the Norwegian coast; it is a small archipelago. When visible, the midnight sun hovers on the horizon and shows the many small, uninhabited, barren rock islands that make up the region of Traena.Traena is really a series of islands miles off the Norwegian coast; it is a small archipelago. When visible, the midnight sun hovers on the horizon and shows the many small, uninhabited, barren rock islands that make up the region of Traena.
  • On this seemingly barren little island of Husoy far out in the Norwegian Sea, musical artists from all over world gather in July to perform. Over its three-day run, the Traena festival is one of the must unusal locations anywhere in the world.On this seemingly barren little island of Husoy far out in the Norwegian Sea, musical artists from all over world gather in July to perform. Over its three-day run, the Traena festival is one of the must unusal locations anywhere in the world.
  • Pop artist RY X (Australia) performs before a huge crowd in what is known as the Cathedral Cave. The size of the venue dwarfs everything around it.Pop artist RY X (Australia) performs before a huge crowd in what is known as the Cathedral Cave. The size of the venue dwarfs everything around it.
  • Three days before the concerts begin, the main stage, which is designed in the shape of fish drying rack, is far from complete. The drying rack pays homage to the industry of dried cod, that for years was the main industry on these islandsThree days before the concerts begin, the main stage, which is designed in the shape of fish drying rack, is far from complete. The drying rack pays homage to the industry of dried cod, that for years was the main industry on these islands
  • With few major roads on the island, the main source of transportation is either by boat, walking or a bicycle.With few major roads on the island, the main source of transportation is either by boat, walking or a bicycle.
  • Early in the week the ferries arrive with people who have bought their tickets months in advance. The children of the island make hundreds of dollars hauling luggage and camping equipment to the campgrounds on the west side of the island.Early in the week the ferries arrive with people who have bought their tickets months in advance. The children of the island make hundreds of dollars hauling luggage and camping equipment to the campgrounds on the west side of the island.
  • The closer the start of the festival the more campers arrive. Traena's normal population is under 500. During the Festival it grows quickly to over 3,000.The closer the start of the festival the more campers arrive. Traena's normal population is under 500. During the Festival it grows quickly to over 3,000.
  • There is no hotel on the island in the traditional sense. There are some B&B's but they fill up quickly. During festival week organizers turn the high school gymnasium into a 'tent hotel' for those who do not want to weather the elements outside.There is no hotel on the island in the traditional sense. There are some B&B's but they fill up quickly. During festival week organizers turn the high school gymnasium into a 'tent hotel' for those who do not want to weather the elements outside.
  • All over the hills of the island, small groupings of tents begin to form on Wednesday. With no night fall, this arctic circle festival is just one continual party. In the background is the island of Sanna. It is also called 'corpse island' not only because it looks like one, but it is the location of the island's cemetery.All over the hills of the island, small groupings of tents begin to form on Wednesday. With no night fall, this arctic circle festival is just one continual party. In the background is the island of Sanna. It is also called 'corpse island' not only because it looks like one, but it is the location of the island's cemetery.
  • Before the festival, early arrivals enjoy the peace and quiet of the island. This man was roaming the hills singing apparently to himself or anyone else who would listen and said he came a week early to enjoy the quiet before all the craziness began.Before the festival, early arrivals enjoy the peace and quiet of the island. This man was roaming the hills singing apparently to himself or anyone else who would listen and said he came a week early to enjoy the quiet before all the craziness began.
  • On Thursday evening the festival begins, with three stages where performances are paced so all can enjoy the music, One of the first acts to perform was Astrid S who energized the audience. Even the artists join in listening to other performers after their sets are completed.On Thursday evening the festival begins, with three stages where performances are paced so all can enjoy the music, One of the first acts to perform was Astrid S who energized the audience. Even the artists join in listening to other performers after their sets are completed.
  • The Swedish group Bob Hund performed the first night for a raucous crowd. They were the only group that limited photographs to the first three songs and did not permit photographs to be taken in the crowd either. The Swedish group Bob Hund performed the first night for a raucous crowd. They were the only group that limited photographs to the first three songs and did not permit photographs to be taken in the crowd either.
  • C Duncan headlined the first night. The receptive crowd filled the main stage area to listen to the hour long set. C Duncan headlined the first night. The receptive crowd filled the main stage area to listen to the hour long set.
  • One of the advantages of the festival is the access given to photographers and fans during the concerts and afterwards. Security was present everywhere but was very patient.One of the advantages of the festival is the access given to photographers and fans during the concerts and afterwards. Security was present everywhere but was very patient.
  • One of the stages was in the local church, built in 1773, though the foundation dates back much further. The Norwegian folk singer NOHR's music was perfectly suited for this venue.One of the stages was in the local church, built in 1773, though the foundation dates back much further. The Norwegian folk singer NOHR's music was perfectly suited for this venue.
  • Folk artist NOHR shows the intensity of his music during this Friday morning concert. During the festival, concerts continue from early in the morning until 1 or 2 am.Folk artist NOHR shows the intensity of his music during this Friday morning concert. During the festival, concerts continue from early in the morning until 1 or 2 am.

     Its been called one of the most remote festivals you can ever attend in the world.  The Traena Music Festival takes place each year in July on a tiny island in the middle of the Norwegian  Sea.
     This  archipelago  is sparsely populated and hard to get to. The only access is by boat or helicopter.
      For over 15 years the island has held this festival that has become known world-wide for spotting up and coming talent.  So much so that one survey rated the Traena Festival

as  #1 in the world.
      One ticket price gives access to all concerts and events.  Concert goers camp outside of town and walk to the venues nearby. There are no hotels on the island
     On the third day of the festival, a concert is held on the nearby island of Sanna, where a selected musician gives a concert inside what is called the ‘Cathedral Cave’. 
    According to legend, this site is significant in Viking lore, as a starting point for the raiding conquests.  It’s a cool experience.