A celebration of a century of organised Norwegian amateur music making, including brass bands, has been given a royal seal of approval as well as being featured on a forthcoming, special national television programme.
It follows the announcement by the Norwegian Government that 2018 will be officially recognised as the 'Year of Banding' — marking the 100th anniversary of the setting up of the Norwegian Band Federation and the 200th anniversary of military banding in the country.
Royal approval
The seal of approval was made on New Year's Day by HRH Crown Prince Haakon, Patron of the Norwegian Band Federation, with the special broadcast due to be aired on Wednesday (17th January) on the popular 'Norway Now!' programme on Channel 1 of the Norwegian Broadcasting Company (NRK1).
Eikanger live
The celebration will also see the involvement of the current European, Norwegian, Siddis and Brass in Concert champion, Eikanger Bjorsvik, who will perform live on air.
Band Manager Viggo Bjorge told 4BR: "The band will be present during the entire show, performing music and talking about our success and the preparations being made for the upcoming Norwegian Championships in Bergen."
He added; "There will be several other high profile guests representing the wide spectrum of banding in the country, as well as the Mayor of Bergen who will welcome the National Championship once more to the magnificent Greighallen in the city."
The band will be present during the entire show, performing music and talking about our success and the preparations being made for the upcoming Norwegian Championships in BergenBand Manager Viggo Bjorge
Perfect setting
In a media statement made by the NRK 1 Channel they stated: "It feels natural for our Channel 1 to dedicate one of these daily shows to the banding movement of Norway.
To be able to do this from the home of the leading band in Europe and quadruple champion band Eikanger-Bjorsvik makes a perfect setting for the show.
Banding is important in Norway, and means so much for so many people, from the fresh beginner to the European Champions, in addition to all parents and supporters."
