Traditional ceremonial speeches and patriotic songs after the main procession. Hosted by Inger-Lise Skarstein, with Bergen Operakor conducted by Anne Randine Øverby and a band to be announced.
A ceremonial gathering after the Main Procession
At 12:45, Bergen gathers in front of the Viking Ship at Festplassen for the main Constitution Day ceremony. After the Main Procession’s journey through the city, traditional speeches, band music and choral singing provide a moment for reflection, gratitude and celebration of our country and city.
The presenter is Inger-Lise Skarstein of the Bergen 17 May Committee. Music is performed by a band to be announced and Bergen Operakor, with Anne Randine Øverby conducting the choir. The band and remaining speakers will be announced when confirmed.
Programme from 12:45
- Opening music by the band, to be announced — a stirring march or similar festive music.
- Welcome by presenter Inger-Lise Skarstein.
- Greeting to His Majesty the King by Chairman Asbjørn Hodnekvam of the Bergen 17 May Committee.
- The Royal Anthem.
- Speech honouring the fallen — speaker to be announced.
- “Gud signe vårt dyre fedreland” — three verses.
- Constitution Day address — speaker to be announced.
- “Ja, vi elsker” — three verses.
- Address to the authorities — speaker to be announced.
- “Fagert er landet” — two verses.
- Address to Bergen — speaker to be announced.
- Bergen’s city anthem, “Nystemten” — three verses.
- Closing remarks by the presenter and “Norge i rødt, hvitt og blått” — three verses.
Choir and band give the ceremony a musical setting, with familiar songs connecting the speeches to the shared spirit of Constitution Day.
Meet the presenter and speakers
Presenter: Inger-Lise Skarstein
Inger-Lise Skarstein represents the Bergen 17 May Committee and guides the audience through the ceremony. A portrait and fuller introduction will follow.
Royal greeting: Asbjørn Hodnekvam
The Chairman brings the committee’s greeting to His Majesty the King. A portrait and fuller introduction will follow.
Speech honouring the fallen: speaker to be announced
We remember those who sacrificed their lives and honour their contribution to our freedom and country. The speaker’s name, portrait and introduction will be published when confirmed.
Constitution Day address: speaker to be announced
Constitution Day offers an opportunity to celebrate freedom, democracy and community. The speaker’s name, portrait and introduction will be published when confirmed.
Address to the authorities: speaker to be announced
An address reflecting on the responsibility of governing society and caring for our shared community. The speaker’s name, portrait and introduction will be published when confirmed.
Address to Bergen: speaker to be announced
A tribute to Bergen and the people who make it our city. The speaker’s name, portrait and introduction will be published when confirmed.
Musical performers
Bergen Operakor
Founded in 1981, Bergen Operakor has extensive experience in opera, church music and major works for choir and orchestra. It is a regular partner in Opera Bergen’s stage productions. Anne Randine Øverby has been artistic director since its foundation and conducts the choir during the ceremony. A photograph and further introduction will follow.
Band to be announced
The band opens the event with festive music and performs alongside Bergen Operakor. Its name, photograph and introduction will be published when participation is confirmed.
The Viking Ship — a Bergen Constitution Day tradition
Festival platforms have been part of Bergen’s Constitution Day celebrations since the nineteenth century. Towards the end of that century, the platform took the shape of a Viking ship. It became a distinctive setting for speeches and music, and a recognisable symbol of the celebrations.
Festplassen first hosted Constitution Day celebrations in 1929. The Viking Ship took a central position beside Lille Lungegårdsvann and has served for generations as the city’s ceremonial podium. Bergen’s city encyclopaedia describes the addresses for the day, Bergen, the fallen and the authorities as the conclusion of the Main Procession at Festplassen.
Today, tradition and city life meet in front of the ship. Procession participants and spectators gather for the speeches, songs and shared celebration — together for Bergen.
Practical information
Time: 17 May 2027 at 12:45. Location: The Viking Ship at Festplassen, facing Lille Lungegårdsvann. Presenter: Inger-Lise Skarstein.
Find the Viking Ship on the interactive map. Be considerate and keep paths and access routes clear. Names, portraits and fuller introductions will be added as they become available.
Historical sources: The 17 May Committee’s history of Festplassen and Bergen city encyclopaedia on Constitution Day. Read more about Bergen Operakor.