What's on in Bergen on the 17th of May

An overview of events in Bergen on the National Day

It is the 17th of May Committee in Bergen that is responsible for the complete programme for the year's biggest celebration day for both young and old.

We have gathered some of the most important things on the programme for May 17th:

06:45
Opening of the day at Dreggen.

07:00
Ceremonial gun salute from Skansen.

07:00
Morning procession from Dreggen to Festplassen accompanied by Sandviken Janitsjar and Lungegaardens Musikkorps.

07:00
Church bells ring from Bergen Cathedral, Korskirken, Nykirken, and Mariakirken.

See our 17th of May page for breakfast and dinner on the National Day

07:25
Carillon music from the Johanneskirken tower as the morning procession passes.

07:30
Wreath-laying at the Christie statue at Muséplass. Speech by the leader of the Student Society in Bergen. Lungegaardens Musikkorps plays “Ja, vi elsker.”

07:35
Wreath-laying at the memorial plaque for John Lund at John Lund Square by Gunnar Rasmussen from the 17 May Committee. The Bergen Song performed by Sandviken Janitsjar.

07:45
The morning procession makes an honorary round to Nedre Ole Bulls plass. The Ole Bull monument celebrates 125 years in 2026. Wreath-laying and music by a musician from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

07:55
The morning procession concludes at Festplassen with a speech for the future by the president of the graduating students and a speech for Bergen by the leader of the student association at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (the technicians). Sandviken Janitsjar performs.

07:55
Wreath-laying round by the Skipper Association and the Engineers’ Association at the Seamen’s Monument and the Mine Memorial. Lungegaardens Musikkorps plays.

08:10
Wreath-laying at the statue of Chr. Michelsen. Speech by the chairman of the 17 May Committee, Asbjørn Hodnekvam.

08:15
Memorial ceremony at the Honor Cemetery at Solheim. Speech and wreath-laying by Fredrik Haugen, student at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy and member of the 17 May Committee. Honor guard from the Navy. Alvøens Musikkforening plays and the Forum Choir sings.

08:25
Memorial ceremony for the war fallen at Nonneseter Memorial Hall. Speech and wreath-laying by Jarle Vika from the 17 May Committee. Honor guard from the Navy. Sandviken Janitsjar performs.

09:00
Funfair opens at Festningskaien (open 09:00–23:00).

09:00
Nynorsk festive church service at Bergen Cathedral led by Bishop Ragnhild Jepsen and Dean Gudmund Waaler. Choral singing by the Søreide Men’s Choir.

09:45
Assembly for the main procession at Koengen.

10:30
Boat parade – the Byfjord Parade starting at Hilleren.

10:30
After “Long Live the Memory of the Eidsvoll Men” and a salute from Skansen, the main procession follows its designated route.

10:40
The flag parade departs and follows its designated route.

12:00
Ceremonial gun salute from Bergenhus Fortress.

12:30
Rowing procession from Kaigaten.

12:45
Ceremonial event at the Viking Ship following the main procession:

* Welcome by the chairman of the 17 May Committee, Asbjørn Hodnekvam

* Greeting to the King

* Speech for the fallen

* Speech for the day

* Speech for the authorities

* Speech for Bergen

* Music by Krohnengen Brass Band and Bergen Opera Choir conducted by Anne Randine Øverby

* Host: Inger-Lise Skarstein

13:00
Carillon concert from the Johanneskirken tower by cantor and carillonneur Mariko Takei Myksvoll.

13:00
Concert in Bergen Cathedral by the Student Choral Society.

13:00
Rowing competition in Vågen.

13:00–20:30
Family entertainment at Torgallmenningen. Host: Kjellemann.

13:00
Concert in the Music Pavilion with Dragefjellets Musikkorps.

13:30 (approx.)
Parachute jumping over Lille Lungegårdsvannet (weather permitting).

13:00
Traditional climbing poles open at Festplassen.

13:45
Air show over the city center – cancelled in 2025, returning in 2026.

14:00
Concert in the Music Pavilion with Tveiterås School Band.

14:00–16:30
Climbing poles open.

14:15 (approx.)
Opening of the stage at Torgallmenningen. Kjellemann.

15:00
Concert with Kleppe Musikklag in the Music Pavilion in Byparken.

17:00
Concert with Manger Musikklag in the Music Pavilion in Byparken.

19:00
Traditional choir concert by the 17 May Committee with a project choir from the Norwegian Choir Association Hordaland in Korskirken.

20:00
Gospel Night (gospel service) in Johanneskirken. Free entry. Organized by KFUM-KFUK Bjørgvin, St. JaKor, and Bergen Cathedral Parish.

22:30
Torchlight procession from Bergenhus to Festplassen accompanied by musicians from the traditional youth brigades.

23:00
Bonfires lit on the surrounding mountains.

23:05
Award ceremony for the best procession entry and the winners of the rowing competition.

23:15
Closing at Festplassen with fireworks.

Source: https://www.17-mai.no/

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