The Grand Finale

Umeå2014 is coming to an end and, although the year is not yet over, residents and visitors to Umeå were able to enjoy the grand finale of the Capital of Culture year on Saturday 13 December. Performing artists at the event included Seinabo Sey, Kitok and INVSN.

Around 11 000 people came to Rådhustorget on the evening of 13 December to watch the last big show of the Capital of Culture year – Northern Light. The show included a host of well-known artists from Umeå, Sápmi and other parts of Sweden. Avatarkvartetten, made up of musicians from NorrlandsOperan’s Symphony Orchestra, kicked off the evening with a performance that began half an hour before the show started.

The artists performing at the event were:
• Seinabo Sey
• Kitok
• INVSN
• Caotico
• Kraja
• Maxida and Mimie Märak
• Katarina Barruk, who performed a joik from the clock tower
• Drumboutique, a constellation of artists put together exclusively for Northern Light, consisting of world-renowned percussionists Morgan Ågren, Jonna Löfgren, Erik Dahlgren, Sten Öberg, Malin Jonsson, Micke Emsing and Malin Ernestad.
• Svante Henryson on cello
• Battle of the Northern Light with martial arts stars Anette Bergström and Jakob Isaksson

Representatives for the 2015 European capitals of culture, Mons (Belgium) and Plzeň (Czech Republic), were also on hand for a ceremonial passing of the cultural baton by Marie-Louise Rönnmark, Umeå Mayor and Chairperson of the Capital of Culture Drafting Committee, and Fredrik Lindegren, Artistic Director for Umeå2014. The ceremony, however, was not the end of Umeå2014. In fact, the cultural programme will continue for a few more weeks.

“The Capital of Culture year has been a huge lift for the North, and Umeå has been seen and heard throughout Europe and the world. The year is coming to an end, but Umeå, the city of culture, will continue its work and will continue to be associated with open-mindedness, involvement, curiosity and passion,” says Marie-Louise Rönnmark.

The show was complemented by a light show on the old city hall, together with newly composed music by Henrik Oja and ended with a grand set of fireworks.

Looking for photos from the show? Take a look at our image bank: https://umea2014.exigus.com/autologin/4765/f122c20...