Elfia
Last month, I finally got my wish to perform on a massive fantasy festival at Elfia! I performed four sets of Viking Music with Viking Stories and I’d like to share what it was like to be there and perform for this entire weekend.
At Elfia, people visit in beautiful costumes. There were all kinds of themes, though the pirates were by far the most represented group. There were anime characters, Lord of the Rings characters, Furries, and all sorts of awesome fantasy cosplays. During my times between gigs, it was a lot of fun to walk between these people, compliment them on their outfits, and go shopping at the different stalls that sold unique items. And then, it was time for my first gig!
Saturday – The first day, the first gigs!
My first gig took place in The Bard’s Theatre. It was a small pavilion-like structure. People could sit on the grass on the opposite side, which inclined upwards to give everyone a good view. At this first gig I played gentle songs and told the story of how I met Loki and how he still owes me a favour. The show was well received, even though I was nervous with it being the very first one at this big festival. I got some useful feedback afterwards that I was able to implement in my next few shows.
The second performance took place in the same spot. This time, I told the tale of Thorir Jokull Steinfinson, a huge berserker wearing a bear pelt. I explained how I knew him and how he earned his place in Valhalla. This one was a bit easier to tell, because it was more interactive and allowed for a bit more of a laid back style. It was the final gig of the day and I went straight to the tent for some dinner. After that I walked around the park with Eline to admire the costumes and things for sale.
Sunday – Bjarki Choir and my first fan moment
The Sunday started calmly. I was to perform at Odin’s Vale, where my tent was pitched, and climbed aboard the VikingWorks Drakkar Escape-Boat. The Bjarki Clan joined me on the boat and together we sang some Viking songs for a small crowd. It was fun to get on the boat together and give this little Bjarki Choir show that people were more than happy to take pictures and videos of.
Then came the moment of the final performance, just before closing time. At the Bard’s Theatre again, I told the tale of my visit at Jarl Siggurd in Iceland and how I got to be in such a position that I could play songs for such an important man. This is my oldest story and it was easiest to tell. I was able to take all the feedback of the earlier sessions into account effortlessly and managed to really stay in the moment and enjoy my time there. My friends from the Bjarki Clan had come to listen as well, which made a huge difference. Afterwards, a fan who had seen me play live before came over to collect an autograph and a picture, which was really humbling and an amazing moment to experience. This final show went very well and it was such a nice feeling to wrap the entire weekend up with a banger.
Going Home and singing my last song
I had spent weeks sparing my voice for my performances and now the gigs were done. That meant that I was finally allowed to completely wreck my vocal chords by singing some loud songs as a way to celebrate and say goodbye to the clan. We sang our favorite songs together and then it was time for me and Eline to pack our stuff, fold up the tent, and head home.
I was beyond tired and it took a little while to realize what I had just experienced. I had finally made my dream of playing at Elfia come true and now I could enjoy the afterglow. I want to thank everyone who came to my shows for attending and being a part of this musician life. The stories I told there will be told in greater detail in the theatre in Zevenaar on the 11th of January, 2026. You can get your tickets [HERE] and I hope to see you there!
Bart the Bard 