Well, as you may have guessed from previous articles here on wanderingeducators.com, I am addicted to music festivals! I am always searching for them, wherever I go. I recently found out about the Telemark International Folk Music Festival, or Telemarkfestivalen, in Bo, Telemark, Norway, held each July. This music festival presents authentic folk music from around the world, and offers more than 200 concerts and performances, as well as workshops and classes for all ages.

I had a chance to interview Rita Mienna, of the Telemarkfestivalen, to find out more about it! Here's what she had to say...

WE: When did the festival start?

RM: The festival started in 1990.

WE: What are the goals of the festival?

RM: We have 6 goals for our festival:
1. Folkmusic of high quality

2. The traditional and acoustic folk music in focus

3. Be a stage for the new folk music

4. Important arena for international meetings between artists and
expressions.

5. Focus on innovation and development

6. Transfer traditional expression to new generations.

WE: How many visitors do you have each year?

RM: About 7,000.

WE: Are there accommodations that you recommend?

RM: Bø sommermotell is cheap and close to the arenas.

WE: Can you tell us a little bit more about the children's concerts?

RM:  We have a children's festival on Sunday where we have different artists on stage.

WE: What sort of courses are available?

RM: We have for adults, traditional singing course, traditional dance, jaw harp, and storytelling.

For children, we have a circus course and meet with international artists (drums, dance etc).

We also have collaboration with an organisation that has traditional courses for children and youth.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

RM: Telemarkfestivalen is a great and intimate festival where you easy can meet people. 

WE: Thank you so much, Rita!

Please click for more information on the Telemarkfestivalen.