7 RESIDENTS AND A FESTIVAL

The story about Eikerapen Roots Festival illustrates how the impossible can be possible. Who could imagine it was possible to create one of Norway's most prominent music festivals in a minuscule, outlying mountain village with a population of seven people and a dog?

Most people would consider Eikerapen an improbable place for a music festival, and was literally unheard of when the festival was first held there in 2004. This slanting village is in the middle of nowhere and a long distance from the nearest city.

However, by adding some gutsy attitude, a pinch of community spirit, a touch of creative madness and the ability to see possibilities where others only see obstacles, Eikerapen Roots Festival has managed to launch a festival package which has caused quite a stir both in Norway and overseas.

It's obvious that when you turn a tiny village into a vibrant festival area with thousands of visitors you create an intimate atmosphere. But this atmosphere is not the only distinctive feature of Eikerapen Roots Festival.

What other festival can boast a drive-in-theater and a gig under an old dam 2000 feet above sea level and five miles away from civilization? Not to mention the opportunity to enjoy great music while drinking homemade fruit juice in Elling's garden?

The festival takes place from Wednesday to Sunday in the first week of August on six different stages. In addition to music, we offer outdoor wooden tubs with a view of the main stage, the world's steepest festival camp, a separate children's festival, moose soup, pancakes cooked on open fire, American car exhibition and lots more that creates the ultimate festival experience.

Another unique feature of our festival is that we offer the audience the chance to enjoy a proper rural festive experience as well as the opportunity to discover new and exciting music in unique surroundings. At Eikerapen you will be able to hear both popular and innovative music.

The festival began in 2004. In 2007 we had 6000 visitors, and both our festival camp and parking facilities were rammed packed. Our aim now is not to grow even bigger, but to keep working hard to create what we consider to be one of the best and distinct festival events in the world.

Eikerapen Roots Festival is an example of good old voluntary collective work. More than 400 out of the 900 inhabitants in the municipality of Åseral, where Eikerapen is located, work day and night in order to create what they consider to be the very highlight of their summer. The driving force is their desire to showcase Åseral to the rest of the world as well as the dream of creating the perfect festival. Judging by the feedback received from our visitors, we are not far from fulfilling that dream.