Malmö Festival August 2012

On a recent trip to one of my favourite Scandinavian cities, Malmö, I  was fortunate to experience the beginning of the exciting annual Malmö Festival that sprawls over much of this historic and rapidly expanding, bustling high-tech City. The charming City rests at the foot of Sweden almost touching Denmark and is connected to mainland Europe, by an amazing architectural wonder bridge to Copenhagen in Denmark by road and rail.

The Malmö  Festival takes place over one week, every August since it began in 1985 right in the heart of the city and it reflects the cultural energy and talents of the participants and one can experience everything from ground breaking art, music and culture to a variety of food that reflects the intercultural vibes and people of Malmö with 1,4 million visits per year, the Malmö Festival is the largest in Scandinavia and everyone who visits this extended party is welcome and the festival is free.

This year featured a fantastic programme , including concerts, plays, art, children’s activities, and a large variety of culinary experiences. Wandering amongst the ten of thousands of people which must have numbered about 150, 000 on the opening night alone, I was amazed by the abundant talent and enthusiasm that I saw all around me, as the various bands played their music to huge appreciative crowds in different locations in the city, from professionally built stages that had all the latest sound and visual video technology to provide their audiences with up to date effects.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of this festival walking among the hundreds of interesting and colourful  stands and later seeing and listing to the rock concerts whilst sampling the food and drink in an atmosphere that was at all times good-willed, spirited and fun.

I really like Malmö as a City, as it has feel of a large village, relaxed and comfortable with itself and past, filled with friendly service-minded people. Malmo is the Swedish City with the most restaurants per inhabitants and is famed for its international cuisine, which one soon discovers in elegant designer restaurants, deep cellars, bistros and cosy locals. I can vouch for this.

Malmö’s amazing twisted tower is architecturally building  of considerable skill and innovation  something worth seeing and with a drive across the spectacular new suspension bridge, one is rapidly connected to the charming Danish Capital of Copenhagen, it’s airport and the roadways to Europe.

The Elite Hotel Savoy is one of Sweden’s two oldest and most prestigious hotels,  built in 1862 and has entertained Royalty, some of the most famous international film stars, politicians, and sports personalities in a century of of turbulent history. For reasons too many to explain in this short article, I enjoy staying here, as the  management  and staff of the Savoy are courteous and professional at all times. The hotel is centrally situated, within easy walking distance to all the main historic squares and shopping districts, with access to rail and road transport connections and faces directly towards the sea giving one the feeling of being on holiday, as the seagulls fly overhead welcoming visitors with their distinctive cry.

I wish all the management and staff of the Elite Hotel Savoy continued success as they carry on the tradition of this famed hotel, and thank them for all the hospitality I have received at all times. E-post: info.savoy@elite.se  www.elite.se

Here is a plaque commemorating the many famous and interesting personages who have graced the doors of the Elite Hotel Savoy. Click on plaque to enlarge and read the interesting names displayed.