Jytte Lindberg
If you asked 100 Swedes whether they had heard of “Allsång på Skansen,” which translates to “Sing-along at Skansen,” you would see the answer in their eyes—a special glow would fill their faces. The magic began on August 3, 1979, and this beloved tradition has since drawn over a million people to the stands, captivating Swedes of all ages and gluing millions more who can’t attend in person to their TVs each year. Swedes from all walks of life come together to share in this musical celebration. Since 1990, Sveriges Television (SVT), Sweden’s national public television broadcaster, has broadcasted every “Allsång på Skansen,” ensuring that the joy and spirit of the event reach viewers across the nation and the world.
It’s more than a show; it’s a national day of pride and a treasured part of Sweden’s heritage. For eight weeks each year, the entire nation watches in unity and sings together. This communal experience is housed within Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, making this live show a quintessential Swedish experience. Families gather, friends unite, and even strangers find a common bond in the melodies that fill the air.
I had the privilege on July 16 of being invited to “Allsång på Skansen” by Marilinn Klevhamre from SVT Communications. She said it would be unforgettable, and it truly was. My evening began with an Uber ride through the lively streets of Stockholm. As we approached Skansen, we passed thousands of families walking eagerly toward the venue, their excitement palpable in the warm air.
We arrived at Skansen and, along with countless others, took the escalator up the mountain and walked to the outdoor stage. The stage was set against the breathtaking backdrop of Stockholm’s harbor, with the rides at Gröna Lund theme park twinkling across the water and boats gently passing by. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as hundreds of fans settled into their seats, while over 15,000 stood, waiting eagerly for the biggest live show on Swedish TV to begin. Popcorn was being handed out, adding to the festive feeling in the air.
The show is hosted by the ever-charismatic Pernilla Wahlgren, who entertained the crowd with such warmth that it was clear she was made for the role. Her ability to connect with the audience, both in person and through the screen, made the evening even more special.
The evening’s lineup was nothing short of spectacular. The artists who performed during the hour-long live show included Herreys, Fröken Snusk, Peter Jöback, Zoe Lobos, and The Wannadies. Each brought their unique energy and talent to the stage, captivating the audience with their performances.
The show started promptly at 8:00 PM and ended exactly at 9:00 PM—a well-oiled machine of precision and passion. Excellence, after all, requires excellence. Behind the scenes, it takes over 100 crew members to create Allsång på Skansen. From the lighting technicians to the sound engineers, the stage designers to the camera operators, each person played a crucial role in bringing the show to life. As I took it all in, I could only imagine the hours of planning, rehearsals, and coordination that went into this episode. They are creating history, and they know it. Their dedication and meticulous attention to detail were evident, making the performance a seamless blend of art and technical mastery.
My evening at Skansen was a beautiful reminder of music’s power to unite and uplift, creating an experience I’ll cherish forever. To all Swedes and non-Swedes alike, if you find yourself in Stockholm during the summer, this is a show you must attend. The atmosphere, the music, and the sense of community are truly unmatched. It’s as close to perfection as you can get.