"Umeå full of desire!"

The European Capital of Culture season opening Tjakttja – the season of desire, marked the true beginning of autumn in Umeå. The event took place in the courtyard between Guitars and the Ballet Academy on Friday evening 10 October. The evening was soulful and filled with song, music, dance and fashion.

There was a warm feeling in the audience despite the cold weather, as the seventh season of the European Capital of Culture year, Tjakttja, autumn was inaugurated. Clothes designers Lena Viltok and Anna-Stina Svakko started the evening by showing off their own collections, especially made for this show. The clothes were shown to the sounds of Sara Ajnnak, who just released her debut album Suojggat.

Following the fashion show, bassist Rickard N Jokela explored the sounds of an acoustic bass and built up an appetite for the upcoming Umeå Jazz Festival at Umeå Folkets Hus and Norrlandsoperan on 21 – 26 October.

The Ballet Academy did a warm and much appreciated performance, which also was accompanied by Sara Ajnnak’s music.

Last but not least, returning star Jennie Abrahamson who is about to release her fourth solo album played some of her songs, both new and old ones.

Compere during the evening was Lina Hognert, actor at Profilteatern who is currently working with the satirical play "Excuse me, could you starve a little quieter, we are trying to create some economic growth over here!" which is also part of Tjakttja.

“I think Umeå is always full of desire to do things, this is our identity”, she said.

Do you want to learn more about events taking place during Tjakttja? Check out www.umea2014.se or the Umeå2014 app.