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'Haven't experienced such a vibe before,' says organizer of Þingvellir concert

From Morgunblaðið · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Bergmál concert held at Þingvellir National Park received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with organizers describing the atmosphere as unparalleled.
  • Approximately 20,000 people attended the event, which featured performances by artists including the band Kaleo.
  • Organizers managed the large crowd effectively, ensuring safety despite heavy traffic and high demand at food vendors.

The Bergmál concert, held at the historic Þingvellir National Park, generated an exceptionally positive atmosphere, according to Jakob Frímann Magnússon, who was involved in its organization. "Overall, I don't think I have experienced such a vibe at any event, nor such positivity and gratitude in my long career in event and music event management," Magnússon told mbl.is.

In the whole, I think I have not experienced such a vibe at any event, nor such positivity and gratitude in my long career in event and music event management. And for that, we are extremely grateful.

— Jakob Frímann MagnússonDescribing the atmosphere and attendee response at the Bergmál concert.

The event drew an estimated 20,000 attendees, close to the permitted capacity. Magnússon expressed deep gratitude for the support from numerous individuals and organizations essential for such a large-scale event. He believes the satisfaction of those who attended was genuine and widespread, acknowledging that with such a large crowd, a range of emotions and opinions would naturally be present.

Despite the significant number of attendees, organizers did not perceive any safety concerns related to crowding. Magnússon noted that while food vendors experienced heavy demand, there were no dangerous situations. Traffic management was a key focus, with organizers anticipating slower return journeys. They implemented strategies, including encouraging early arrival by offering a full day's program starting at 11 a.m., to mitigate congestion.

We enjoyed the support of the best men and women in the many fields required to staff such a large event. And we are just grateful and humble to have brought these key elements together, and the satisfaction of those who attended seems genuine and general.

— Jakob Frímann MagnússonReflecting on the collaborative effort and overall success of the concert.

Parking was managed across several designated areas, including Leirur, Brúsastaðir, and Tæpistígur. While some parking areas sold out quickly, traffic control within the lots was robust. With the assistance of police and event staff, the flow of vehicles both entering and exiting the parking areas was managed effectively. Magnússon suggested that the slightly slower return trip was a minor inconvenience compared to the overall positive experience of the event, which he described as potentially the best event at Þingvellir in decades.

We did not experience it that way. There was of course a huge rush at the food stalls and everywhere else, but it was not such that there was any danger. No one, to our knowledge, felt that danger limits were near regarding the number of people.

— Jakob Frímann MagnússonAddressing concerns about crowding and safety at the event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.