Visfestivalen i Västervik started in 1966 and is one of the oldest festivals in Sweden.
Almost every musician in Sweden has at some point stood on the stage in the old castle ruin. During the 70’s the Swedish folk legends Cornelis Vreeswijlk and Fred Åkerström went down to Västervik almost every summer to play. The organiser Hansi Schwarz, who played in Hootenanny Singers himself, got his old friends from ABBA to come down and surprise the audience. Elvis Costello, Per Gessle (Roxette), Marie Fredriksson, Povel Ramel, Alice Babs, Lill-Babs, Weeping Willows, Lasse Winnerbäck, Lasse Berghagen and Swedish hip hop legend Petter are just some of the hundreds of musicians who have graced the stage with us.
The festival always takes place Thursday until Saturday of week 28.
Times
The evening starts at 6.30pm.
Entry starts at 6pm. Make sure you’re early! After 7pm we can’t guarantee a good spot to sit.The more experienced audience who’d like to ensure a good spot tends to start queueing a few hours ahead of entry time. Usually the evening lasts 4-5 hours.
Artist Timings
There is no specific schedule for when each artist will perform. You will experience them all throughout the evening in no particular order on one stage.
Disabled Access
For disabled people with wheelchairs there is a limited amount of spots available.
People with disability who requires help with placing should contact the staff at the main entrance a good few hours ahead of opening times so that we can help with accessibility easier. There’s a ramp going into the ruin by the main entrance but mainly gravel once inside.
Carers/helpers will need to arrange their own tickets. Since the venue’s capacity is limited we don’t have any means of offering discounted tickets.
Children
Babies and toddlers come in for free.
Buggies are not allowed due to the limited capacity, and all walkways needs to be kept free for security reasons.
Pets
No pets allowed no matter how small or modest.
Food and Drink
A small picnic basket is fine to bring, we accentuate “small” as it’s very tight and cosy in between the seats.
Usually the evening lasts 4-5 hours hence there is a food and drink tent available, outside the stage area however. They are licenced to serve, beer, wine and cider.
Pets
No pets allowed no matter how small or modest.
Under an open sky…
The venue (the castle ruin) does not have a roof, hence why we recommend you check the weather report and plan your evening accordingly.
If it rains…
The evening will progress as normal if it rains, and water proof clothes will have to be worn. There will be no refunds due to bad weather. Unfortunately umbrellas are not allowed. This is an unwritten rule on all outdoor events with limited seating. You can buy a water proof cape at the main entrance.
Respect the artists and audience alike
If you need to leave the venue at any point, please do so during the breaks between performances.
Seating is not numbered so it’s a matter of first come, first served
Over the last few years people who wants to ensure good seating starts queueing in the afternoon.