The Polar Jazz Festival
The Polar Jazz Festival, which began in 1997 and is held yearly in February, is the northernmost music festival staged with all music enthusiasts in mind, not just jazz lovers, as the name suggests. Professionals and local amateurs alike participate in the one-of-a-kind event and get the opportunity to showcase their talents. Regarded as one of the most famous festivals in Norway, The Polar Jazz Festival not only provides a variety of musical experiences, but also other arctic night activities. Music for all ages is presented, and hence the festival includes concerts in kindergartens, schools, and the youth hostel.
The Polar Jazz Festival is held in Longyearbyen, Norway, the largest town on the island of Spitsbergen, which is part of the Svalbard archipelago and is located several hundred kilometres directly north of the mainland. The average January temperature is "a toasty 3º F” according to one tourist book, because of the moderating impact of being on the edge of the Greenland Sea. The celebration does more than just provide a diversion for locals during the long cold night. It helps businesses and marketing efforts for winter tourism activities including dog sledging, snowmobiling, and viewing the northern lights.
Location: Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Date: February
