Minute of silence and guests encouraged to wear pink

A one-minute silence will be held during the Tónaflóð concert on Culture Night to honor Bryndís Klara Birgisdóttir, who was fatally stabbed at the festival last year. Guests are also encouraged to wear pink, Bryndís’ favorite color, in her memory.

This was announced by Reykjavík Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmarsdóttir at a press conference on Ingólfstorg today, where this year’s program for Culture Night was presented.

“We need to strengthen our community, our dialogue, and the spirit of care and kindness — not only on Culture Night but always. Still, Culture Night can serve as a reminder that we are all in this society together,” Hilmarsdóttir told mbl.is .

“Of course, we are also remembering that a terrible event happened a year ago on Culture Night. That should not overshadow the joy and celebration, but it reminds us that awful things can happen, and we all need to play our part in preventing them.”

Family festival

According to the mayor, preparations for this year’s festival have gone well, though with some changes in focus. The program will end earlier than in recent years, and security will be increased.

“We’ve decided to put even more emphasis on this being a family festival, where people come together and enjoy good times. So we’re shortening the schedule by an hour at the end,” Hilmarsdóttir said.

This year, the festival will conclude with fireworks at Arnarhóll at 22:00, instead of 23:00 as in previous years.

“It’s already dark by that time of evening, as everyone has noticed. By holding the fireworks at ten, younger children, who would otherwise have slept through it, may get the chance to stay up a little longer and enjoy the show,” she said.

Faroe Islanders as guests of honor

Culture Night also celebrates Reykjavík’s 249th birthday, which fell on Monday. Asked what she especially looks forward to, the mayor mentioned that the National Theatre of Iceland will play a more active role in the program this year, with the festival’s opening ceremony held at the theatre.

She also looks forward to the Faroese program at City Hall, as the Faroe Islanders are this year’s special guests. The mayor of Tórshavn will also take part in the festivities.

“I never really make too strict a schedule for myself, because it always changes anyway. You meet people along the way, and that’s part of what Culture Night is about,” Hilmarsdóttir added.

The full program and further information can be found at menningarnott.is .