Continued royal protection of The Hamsun Days on Hamarøy

HRH The Crown Princess extends her royal patronage for The Hamsun Days for a new period. This will be the festival's third period of royal patronage, and will run from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030. 

– It is very nice for The Hamsun Days to have the Crown Princess as our patron. It enhances the festival's visibility and recognition. The extension is a very nice "Christmas present" to receive, says festival director Anita Overelv. 

The Hamsun Days was established in 1982 and is held every other year. The Hamsun Center has been the festival's main stage since its opening on August 4, 2009, when the Crown Princess was the guest of honor and was responsible for the opening ceremony. 

Picture of the team audience. From left: HRH The Crown Princess, Anita Overelv, festival director of the Hamsun Days and Solveig Hirsch, then director of the Hamsun Centre (bottom to top). Photographer: Liv Anette Luane, The Royal Court  

HRH The Crown Princess is known for her literary interest and is well acquainted with Hamsun's writings. In connection with the royal patronage, The Hamsun Days and the Hamsun Center have had an audience at the Palace on two occasions. The last time was in 2022, during the corona pandemic, when festival director Anita Overelv and then director Solveig Hirsch had a digital audience with the Crown Princess. 

– It was special and felt a little more informal. A kind of “we’re all in the same boat” feeling. It was quarantine time and restrictions, even for the royals, recalls the festival director. 

The upcoming Hamsundager continues the festival's profile with a focus on strong literary, musical and artistic experiences. The festival will also feature a literary seminar with Hamsun at the center, as well as a separate day for HamsundageneUNG, where young people create a festival for young people. 

– The Crown Princess will of course receive an invitation, just so it is said, emphasizes Overelv. 

The Hamsun Days 2026 will be held on Hamarøy from August 4 to 7. Early bird ticket sales are underway, and the first program release will be in January 2026. 

“ Royal patronage has a long tradition. The scheme has had various forms throughout history, including formal protection through royal letters of protection. Today, patronage has a different function. The purpose is to provide visibility and recognition to organizations that work in important areas of social and cultural life.

The Crown Princess's patronage helps to highlight organizations and events within important areas of social life. The scheme functions as an institutional recognition, and patronage is normally granted for a period of five years .