The children's festival in new arenas
Kongsberg Jazz Festival has adopted one of Kongsberg's finest gems. Barnivalen is now set up at Kvarten, a green area that stretches from the Mining Museum towards the Old Bridge. Here Barnivalen has set itself up with various offers for young and old. Some get great cultural experiences for the first time, while others have memories of a bygone era, with rock concerts and Norwegian idols that shone beyond Lågalandet.
The head of Barnivalen, Celina Stokes, says that the reason for the move over the bridge was due to a lack of space in Magasinparken. - The design of the park, with floors and stairs, made it difficult to get around with prams and wheelchairs. The quarter has more space for the children to frolic and provides increased accessibility for everyone who participates in Barnivalen, she explains. This will make this a more inclusive event.
Another advantage of the move is that the events on Barnivalen's stage are not disturbed by noise from other concerts. Because experiences are an important part of Barnivalen. It is a rich program for small and large "jazz fans". The Flying Seagull Project juggles from its own stage, various theater groups that perform from the main stage. Swing'it Dixieband serves Disney prunes on a conveyor belt. Everything is in order for children and young people to have good memories from this year's Jazz Festival. There is plenty for every taste.
New at this year's Barnival are Fortnite tournaments that run throughout the festival. Sebastian Stavland, Kongsberg boy and professional Fortnite player ranked among the world's top 100 is the organizer of the tournament sponsored by King of the Hill. - This is a popular activity for young people over the age of 12, says Stavland. On the opening day, approximately 50 people took part in the drop-in tournament. Duo tournaments are played for the rest of Barnivalen. Stavland emphasizes that playing Fortnite provides, among other things, good language and problem-solving skills. Hans also sees that the tournament can give parents increased insight into what their children do when they play.
Another expression that the Barnivalen is an important gathering point for children and young people during the Jazz Festival.
Sebastian Stavland (left) and Emil Alexander Lund Storebaug are active gamers who give beginners good tips and tricks in the Fortnite game.
Text: Ann-Mari Lofthus / Photo: Birgit Fostervold
