Hove Festival

The Hove Festival was a cherished music event held on Tromøya island, just outside Arendal in southern Norway. It launched its inaugural event from June 26 to 30, 2007, and quickly evolved into Norway's largest music festival. Regrettably, after eight years, the festival was forced to close in 2014 due to financial difficulties.

In 2008, Festival Republic took over the festival after it faced bankruptcy. One notable aspect of the Hove Festival was its inclusivity, with no age restrictions. Children under 12 could even attend for free.

The festival took pride in its eco-friendly initiatives. It purchased carbon offset credits to account for all energy and transportation used and ensured that all waste produced during the event was recycled. A community-driven endeavor, the festival heavily relied on volunteers. In 2010 alone, 2,500 volunteers assisted with tasks ranging from security and stage management to driving, kitchen duties, and post-festival cleanup.

The festival featured several distinct areas: the camping area, the festival area, and the "zero" area. The camping area, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 campers, was open throughout the festival. The festival area, including a shopping street, was accessible to those with day or festival bracelets. The zero area, featuring fast-food outlets, was open to everyone.

Hove Festival boasted three primary stages: Hovescenen, Amfiscenen, and Teltscenen (the tent stage). Hovescenen, the largest stage, hosted major acts such as Muse, who performed there in 2010.

In its debut year, the festival attracted 72,000 visitors and sold 53,000 tickets, earning it the title of Norway's largest music festival. The lineup was impressive, featuring artists like Queens of the Stone Age, The Killers, Amy Winehouse, and Interpol.

However, in 2008, the festival had to end early due to safety concerns. The venue was overloaded, causing significant damage to the ground and forcing the event to shut down prematurely. Despite its ups and downs, Hove Festival remains a treasured memory for many music aficionados.