Johan Linder, co-founder of the Nordsken festival, expresses immense satisfaction in the outcome.
Initially anticipating a decrease in attendance due to the shift from Skellefteå Kraft Arena and the reduction to a two-day event, Johan Linder was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response.
– We had more than 15,000 visitors, 5,000 more than our previous peak. Sara also set a record as it reached maximum capacity for the first time.
While the festival had to downsize to fit the cultural center, resulting in fewer exhibitors and speakers, Linder saw it as an "exciting test" to host such a large event in a different setting.
This year's event took on a new format, offering free admission. Despite the loss in entrance revenue, estimated at about one million kronor, and significantly lower sponsorship revenues due to limited advertising spaces, the organizers found positives with the venue.
– We had technology in place, support from technicians, and an interior that didn't need embellishing.
Exhibitors, particularly families with children, expressed high satisfaction with Nordsken.
Linder remains optimistic about the future, revealing plans to organize Nordsken again sometime this year, pending favorable financial conditions.
A large crowd visited Nordsken during the days between Christmas and New Year.