NEWS For the fourth consecutive year, Umeå University is hosting a Walpurgis Eve celebration on its main campus. The tradition of Walpurgis or ”Valborg” in Swedish is marked by public gatherings with choral singing, bonfires and welcoming of the spring season. The 30 April event begins at 6:00 pm by the campus pond and features fabulous performances for those of all ages. All Umeå residents are welcome to attend!
The event features: a market, choral singing, artists, a huge bonfire, the "spring speech", face painting, pony riding, food and beverages, song and music, and much more. The traditional "spring speech" will be given by Professor Mohammad Fazlhashemi and the choir will entertain with traditional springtime songs under the direction of Tomas Pleje. The master of ceremonies is Beppe Starbrink from SVT Swedish television.
”The Walpurgis Eve celebration on campus has now become a tradition,” says Göran Sandberg, vice-chancellor of Umeå University. “It is very exciting to see the campus overflowing with thousands of Umeå residents of all ages. Our ambition is for the university and city of Umeå to be even more integrated. The Walpugis Eve celebration is part of this ambition,” continues Sandberg.
The programme begins at 6:00 pm. The traditional bonfire lighting takes place at 8:00 pm sharp. The evening concludes with a special concert by David Sandström Overdrive.
Programme - 6:00 - 9:30 pm:
6:00 - 8:00 pm Pony riding, face painting, inflatable castles, rabbit show, etc.
6:00 - 6:20 pm Fantikan, a West-African dance and drum group
6:25 - 6:50 pm Snövänget student orchestra
6:30 - 6:55 pm Troubador Gunna Enqvist sings Evert Taube
6:50 - 7:10 pm The battle on campus - 200 years since Finland and Sweden became two nations performed by the Interactive History Association from Sävar
7:40 - 7:55 pm Snösvanget student orchestra
8:00 - 8:15 pm Bonfire lighting, the "spring speech" by Professor Mohammed Fazlhashemi and choral singing
8:00 - 8:35 pm Two White Horses
8:35 - 8:50 pm Fire Show featuring Mirus
8:50 - 9:30 pm Finale: David Sandström Overdrive concert
Read more at Celebrate Walpurgis Eve on Campus
Walpurgis Eve on Campus is arranged by Umeå University and Umeå Municipality in partnership with Akademiska Hus, Culture on Campus, Västerbottens Folkblad (newspaper) and the student unions.
Contact person: Ejvår Falck, project manager Phone: 090-786 55 15 Mobile: 070-224 29 97
Photo: Henrik Stenwall
Editor: David Meyers