Midgardsblot is an unique annual metal and cultural festival held at Midgard Vikingsenter and Borreparken in Borre, near Horten in Vestfold, Norway. Founded by festival producer Runa Strindin, the first edition took place in August 2015.
The festival developed from Eidsivablot, a cultural project Strindin produced at Eidsvoll in 2014 for the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution. For that project, Enslaved’s Ivar Bjørnson and Wardruna’s Einar Selvik were commissioned to create “Skuggsjá”, a work connecting Norwegian history, traditional music and extreme metal.
Midgardsblot is closely tied to its location. Borreparken is one of Norway’s most important Viking Age archaeological areas, with large burial mounds connected to powerful families from the late Iron Age and Viking Age. The festival grounds lie beside these mounds and Midgard Vikingsenter, while the reconstructed Gildehallen is used as one of the festival’s most distinctive buildings.
The musical programme combines black metal, death metal, Viking metal, folk, Nordic traditional music, dark ambient, hard rock, and other related styles. Artists who have played at Midgardsblot include 1349, Amon Amarth, Deicide, Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Enslaved, Finntroll, Gaahls Wyrd, Heilung, Ihsahn, Kampfar, Mayhem, Myrkur, Primordial, Rotting Christ, Sólstafir, Testament, Tsjuder, Unleashed, Vader, Venom, Wardruna, Watain, Saxon, Turbonegro, Taake, Wolves in the Throne Room, Einherjer, Vreid, Gehenna, Backstreet Girls and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
Folk and traditional artists have also been central to the festival’s identity. Performers such as Eivør, Gåte, Mari Boine, Skáld and Nytt Land have appeared alongside the metal programme, giving Midgardsblot a wider musical profile than most metal festival.
The festival also includes lectures, panel discussions, guided tours, Viking combat demonstrations, traditional crafts, storytelling, workshops, a Viking market and historical activities connected to Midgard Vikingsenter. An opening blót, with drumming, singing and elements inspired by pre-Christian Nordic ritual traditions, has become a recurring part of the festival, and they always have great DJs to end each day.
Camp Utgard, the festival camp at Prestegårdsstranda by the Oslofjord, adds a separate camping area outside the main arena. The main festival site is divided into named spaces inspired by Norse mythology, with concerts and cultural events taking place both outdoors and inside Gildehallen.
ADDRESS:
Birkelyveien 9, 3184 Borre, Norway
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