Fifteen Years of Fanø Free Folk Festival. From 23–25 July, Sønderho’s microfestival once again opens its doors to free-ranging folk music. Three days of remarkable encounters with music from France, Scotland, Estonia, Kurdistan and beyond await at the festival, which is presented in collaboration with ALICE.

Fanø Free Folk Festival invites audiences into intimate encounters with distinctive artistic expressions, exploring the space between folk music traditions and bold experimentation. Since 2010, the volunteer-run festival has been based in the village of Sønderho, where it once again fills the streets with music that is both deeply moving and delightfully offbeat. With almost 20 concerts on the programme, there is plenty to look forward to from 23–25 July.

Nordic grandeur, Kurdish wedding music and Welsh witch punk
Among this year’s many highlights is a rare intimate concert by Swedish artist Sara Parkman, one of Scandinavia’s most compelling musical voices. Her deeply personal work brings together Nordic folk traditions, hymn writing, protest songs and contemporary sonic experimentation. She recently released the masterful new album Aster, atlas, and we are incredibly proud to welcome her to Sønderho.

Fanø Free Folk Festival #15 also journeys across Europe with psychedelic folk experiments from France’s Sourdure, dreamlike sounds from Polish quartet Morye, and a deep dive into Estonian traditions with Kirbla Duo, featuring Leanne Barbo and Katariin Raska. Raska will also perform a solo concert dedicated to the deconstructed Estonian bagpipes.

The village hall is set for a wild dance party when Loma Reqs brings their feminist take on Kurdish wedding music infused with Latin American rhythms and acid house beats. From the Middle East, we are also delighted to welcome the outstanding Egyptian oud player Aly Eissa. Another major highlight is the first-ever Danish concert by cult band Tristwch Y Fenywod, whose music combines dark post-punk, witchy atmospheres and songs performed in Welsh. From Wales, the journey continues to Scotland with the beautiful a cappella songs of Quinie, inspired by the traditions of Scotland’s nomadic Traveller communities.

A Broad Spectrum of Danish Artists
The festival also showcases a rich variety of expressions from the Danish music scene. Highlights include Recorder Recorder, Stine Benjaminsen’s project; Spellchestra, whose work blends opera with the tradition of tavern singing; and Portal Pets, whose gothic universe merges folk and alternative rock.

The festival will also premiere a brand-new project from Sønderho-based author and singer Jeppe Brixvold, who joins forces with acclaimed Danish folk musician Kristian Bugge. Together with Kristian Jørgensen and Clarissa Connelly, they perform as Forvandlingen, exploring old musical traditions from the Jutland heathlands.

Another connection to Sønderho’s folk heritage can be found in the new project Streng Familie, in which Sø Skinnebach, who grew up in Sønderho, and Sascha Alexander combine folk-inspired music with experimental electronics.

In short, Fanø Free Folk Festival once again offers an abundance of exciting musical discoveries. Alongside the concerts, visitors can enjoy communal meals, a folk kitchen, dance workshops and guided walks through Fanø’s beautiful natural landscapes.

Festival passes have sold out, but a limited number of day tickets will be available at the door.

Full Line-up:
Aly Eissa / Fancy Instincts / Forvandlingen / Katariin Raska / Kirbla Duo / Loma Reqs / Morye / Necropastoral / Portal Pets / Recorder Recorder / Sara Parkman / Sophia Djebel Rose / Sourdure / Spellchestra / Streng Familie / Tristwch Y Fenywod / Quinie

About Fanø Free Folk Festival:
Fanø Free Folk Festival #15 takes place in Sønderho from 23–25 July. Most concerts are held at Sønderho Assembly Hall, with additional performances taking place at venues including Sønderho Church.

Founded in 2010, Fanø Free Folk Festival is a volunteer-run microfestival dedicated to creating new encounters between folk music traditions and contemporary experimentation.

Fanø Free Folk Festival #15 is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation and Jazzpuljen, and is presented in collaboration with ALICE CPH, Fanø Brugsforening, Fanø Bryghus, Camping Klitten and the Churches of Fanø.