The Norwegian Naval Forces Band

Opening with a boom, march and music.

​For ten days during this year's festival, the city's favourite public square is filled with concerts and events of many kinds.

The navy's eminent music band has the honour of opening this year's series of free concerts and events and marches into the Festival Square in full rigged splendour. From the new city stage, the band plays a party repertoire especially chosen for the occasion, with elements of marching band favourites and popular music pieces.

The Norwegian Naval Forces Band has also excelled in new music, including critically acclaimed albums, festival concerts and world premieres. From their base at Bergenhus Fortress, the 27 musicians play concerts all over Western Norway, as well as on national and international stages.

The band has played at the Bergen International Festival on several occasions, most recently in 2022, with Bergen Cathedral Choir conducted by Christian Eggen. The band has also previously been named performer of the year by the Norwegian Society of Composers.