40,000 visit the Heart of Hafnarfjörður town festival

The heart of Hafnarfjörður is growing

„A party – an absolute party,“ says Palli Eyjólfsson at the Bæjarbíó about the first four weekends of the town festival Hjarta Hafnarfjarðar. It's shaping up to be a record-breaking year for the ninth edition of the festival. So far, the same number of people have attended as during the whole of last year's festival, 40,000 people. Two weekends to go.

„It's been going better than expected. Everyone who comes is here to have a good time. There's a great sense of joy in the air,“ says Palli, who himself took to the stage at the weekend with Pöpum, the band he founded. „It's about to turn 40.“

Large crowd and robust security

The heart of Hafnarfjörður has evolved and changed. Security is robust. For instance, a camera system covers the entire area. The tent is packed for the three days the festival runs each week. The atmosphere is good. But what is causing the festival to now be a roaring success?

„I think it's down to patience,“ says Palli, adding that a festival like this never happens without having good people on board. „And we're fortunate to have a fantastic staff and partners.“ He adds that it's important to scrutinise things.

„We've been prepared to develop things and make changes along the way. It's like with everything: you find a way if you have the patience for it,“ says Palli. „The recipe, however, will never be finished, even though the overall picture is certainly complete.“

The fifth weekend of the festival will be from 24th-26th July. The schedule is packed. Emmsjé Gauti, Svala Björgvins and Aron Can will be performing in the Bylgja Tent on Thursday, and Mr. Peanut Butter, Húbba Búbba, Pretty boi and Kristmundur Axel on Friday. On Saturday, Guðrún Árný will be singing with guests between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. In the Bylgja Tent, the line-up will be Sprite Zero Klan, Háski, Jói P X Króli with a band, and Lil Curly and Séra Bjössi.

•  Agenda