The first step towards this year’s Åsadalen is taken as early as dark January. That is when the 2026 democracy festival begins, with live music, dinner and a timely exhibition.
One of Åsa Folk High School’s most popular programmes is its long-running and widely acclaimed music course. At this time of year, the students’ bands have fine-tuned their repertoires for the spring tour project.
Naturally, Åsadalen’s programme planners make good use of this.
Culture strengthens democracy
Music and other forms of culture are, in different ways, crucial to a strong and vibrant democracy. It is therefore entirely logical to let the music course provide Åsadalen’s rocket start.
On the evening of 27 January, it is time. Two of the touring bands will take to Åsadalen’s live stage. The concert is the first of three scheduled evening events under the democracy festival umbrella.
The group I Nöd & Lust offers a journey through the different stages of love – what unites us, what chafes, and what falls apart. With expressive harmonies and compelling rhythms, the band leaves no hearts untouched.
The quintet Vindbyn portrays meteorological phenomena in auditory form. With a distinctive blend of jazz and rock, the band performs new arrangements of already familiar songs. And now for the weather: a storm is approaching.
The concert starts at 6 pm and admission is free.
Dinner can be pre-booked
From 4.45 pm, dinner is available in the school restaurant. The evening buffet features Pasta Carbonara or pasta with soya beans and oyster mushrooms in basil sauce. Coffee/tea is included.
Dinner costs SEK 125 per person and must be pre-booked unless you are a boarding school student living at Åsa. Pre-book here.
The evening coincides with Holocaust Memorial Day. This is marked by a mini-exhibition from the Swedish Museum of the Holocaust, created using text, images and moving material. The exhibition can be viewed free of charge.
Refreshments will be available for purchase during the evening.
Text: Henrik Wising
Photo: The Music course