A fascinating weekend of competition is in store in Stavanger with a desire to embrace change to be seen A great deal has changed in the brass banding world since the European Championships were last held in Stavanger in 2008 Away from the contest stage we’ve had to recover from the global banking crisis and Covid-19 as well as contend with a litany of military conflicts political upheavals and environmental challenges.  A great of the music we will hear this weekend certainly reflects on these issues.  when it comes to these Championships somehow things have remained very much as they have ever been Stavanger has also undergone considerable evolution in positioning itself not only as Norway’s oil capital but as a world city of culture at the centre of which stands Stavanger Konserthus which was opened at the cost of 1.25 billion Krone in 2012.  With its Fartein Valen main hall seating around 1400 people acoustically vibrant stage on which 15 Championship 3 Challenge Section and 10 youth bands will perform as well as the European Youth Brass Band and artists providing the entertainment at the Gala Concert.  Norway’s major entertainment contest it’s well used to hosting large scale banding events With multi-purpose public areas inside and out the venue is sure to be a busy hub of activity That will come in handy as the local organisers alongside NMF have worked hard to overcome challenges of their own – none more so that the familiar global demand for tickets which saw the ‘sold out’ signs posted on-line within minutes of going on sale.  As frustrating as that may have been for those unable to click their computer mouse on them in time it is still something of a welcome headache after the sea of empty seats in Palanga.  And unlike 2008 nowadays if you can’t make it in person you can always sit back and enjoy the live broadcast courtesy of Word of Brass through its Wobplay media platform.  a great deal of the music to be heard this weekend will also reflect global and domestic changes – including the Championship Section set-work ‘Transitions in Energy’ by Fredrick Schjelderup (below) It takes inspiration from how energy production (especially that of North Sea oil exploration) has affected the planet and those who live on it.  Schjelderup acknowledges its cost in terms of its impact on the environment but also on those who risk and sometimes lose their lives in extracting it.  He also offers hope of a new ‘greener’ future – something visitors may well be conscious of when they step inside an electric taxi on their way to the hall Norway has embraced that change quicker than anyone.  with a long overdue set-test work from a female composer (the first since 2006) with Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen’s intriguingly titled ‘Embracing Duality’ in the Challenge Section whilst Katrina Marzella-Wheeler becomes the first female conductor in the Championship Section event with a long overdue set-test work from a female composer (the first since 2006) with Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen’s intriguingly titled ‘Embracing Duality’ in the Challenge Section  That will see the largest ever field of ‘elite’ representatives (there were 11 the last time the contest was here) headed by defending champion Brass Band Treize Etoiles In 2008 Swiss banding had yet to taste European success but that has also changed now – first with Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern in 2014 (above) If Treize Etoile triumph this year they will become the first European band to claim a hat-trick of wins.   With its vibrant domestic banding scene (as seen at its National Championships and solo events)  it is now Switzerland not Norway that is providing the new musical energy source for European banding to tap into 2008 champion Cory will of course look to fuel memories of that famous victory alongside  Stavanger returnees in Brass Band  Willebroek (who were third) Lyngby Taarbaek (seventh) and Brass Band Oberosterreich (tenth).    There are though other familiar faces: Eikanger makes its 26th appearance (and twelfth in the last 15 years) at the contest with the cooperation band its 16th overall.  Brass LT and Brass Band Regensburg make their Championship debuts although both have won the Challenge Section in recent years.    Hauts de France and Valaisia each notch up a seventh appearance and Italian Brass Band (making its regular bi-annual return) have all performed at the event in recent years but only its first since 2009.   The record field is arguably either an endorsement of EBBA’s successful expansionist aims over the last decade of more or as critics argue the result of the failure of the Challenge Section to adapt to truly reflect its stated purpose in 2008 it featured four bands from four different countries (one of which was already in the Championship event) two of which also have representative bands in the Championship Section.  there should be plenty of national pride at stake as Brass Band Uberetsch (Italy) Downshire Brass (Northern Ireland) and Gjesdal Brass Band (Norway) perform on Saturday morning The set work ‘Embracing Duality’  has been written by 2024 4BR 'Newcomer of the Year' award winning composer Ingebjorg Vilhelmsen and is inspired by Norse mythology rather than technology Hel is the ruler of the underworld and represents the idea that death is not to be feared but instead should be accepted as a natural part of existence serves as a place of rest and judgement for departed souls Although the European Youth Championships were only incorporated into the event in 2014 (there had been a separate Championship before that) two-section format and positioning as something of an addendum to the weekend are to be heard.  those in attendance will certainly enjoy the musical excellence that will be on show as the next generation of European performers take to the stage from Lithuania Each has to perform a set works within their own-choice programmes with the Premier Section bands performing ‘Northern Passages’  by Kjetil Djonne a four-movement work that portrays the Norwegian landscape through traditional dance music The Development Section contenders will play ‘Four Brief Actions’  by Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen but each movement is self-explanatory.  The side events in Stavanger in 2008 included the 4th European Conductors Competition as well as the European Youth Brass Band which was started in 2000.   This year both return and although the Youth Band continues to provide a remarkable opportunity for young players under an inspirational conductor (led by Margie Antrobus) continue to place a hefty drain of questionable financial return on the local organiser’s financial resources.  EBBA for its part has done much to steer their part in that with a sense of conservative consideration – no easy task when the world around us has undergone decidedly more radical upheavals in recent times.  The cost of the Youth band is in the tens of thousands of Euros per year whilst last year’s sponsorship of the Composer Competition came to over 6,000 Euros the newly crowned European Champion in Palanga left with 6,000 Euros and an instrument to flog.   Change in the brass banding world has certainly been felt since the European Championships was last held in Stavanger that pace of change is now quickening year on year with the prospect that the European Championships is in danger of being unable to catch its coattails.   If Stavanger has shown it can make the transition and lead the way in embracing it so too must EBBA before the event returns here again.     4BR wants to ensure that the brass band movement remains vibrant and relevant challenge and critically examine those who run and play in it producing high quality journalism that informs as well as entertains our readers independent perspective on the brass band world - then why not consider becoming a supporter and help make our future and that of a burgeoning brass band movement more secure Support us     Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex May 6 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025 May 6 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Bass player (position negotiable) Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025 Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville near M1 J22 May 5 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for our Principal Cornet position as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia.Follow AuthorMar 26 11:03am EDTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") 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.subhead3-embed .font-accent{font-family: Euclid,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.color-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .color-accent{color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.bg-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .bg-accent{background-color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.color-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .color-base{color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.bg-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .bg-base{background-color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-accent{font-family: Schnyder,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-size p #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-size p{font-size: 36px;}'Sverd i fjell' monument to the Viking Age in Stavanger The Viking Age was a defining era for Norway and craftsmanship that still captures the imagination today Look no further than several recent hit TV series for proof of how Viking stories—fact and fiction—continue to fascinate global audiences and shape modern perceptions of this dramatic period in Scandinavian history Stavanger is one of Norway’s most historic cities While best known today for its role in the country’s oil and gas industry the city’s roots stretch back much further Stavanger sits near the site of a legendary Viking battle that helped shape the nation Such is the influence of this story that even the city’s professional soccer club is named Viking relatively little else was known about the time period in the region and grew throughout the period into a center for craft and trade visitors can explore that history through monuments and immersive experiences that bring the Viking Age to life A short drive or bus ride from the central district is Sverd i fjell (Swords in the rock) A striking monument overlooking the Hafrsfjord these three giant bronze swords stand embedded in the rock commemorating the legendary Battle of Hafrsfjord from 872 CE it was here that King Harald Fairhair united several smaller kingdoms to become the first king of a unified Norway towering above the fjord as a powerful reminder of the nation’s Viking past offers a hands-on experience of daily life more than 1,500 years ago—before the Viking Age began Stavanger's Iron Age Farm offers a deeper exploration of Stavanger before the Viking Age began Visitors can step inside longhouses with open hearths and gain a deeper appreciation for the lives of the people who laid the foundations of Norway’s Viking society For a more immersive experience, visitors can head downtown to Viking House a modern attraction that uses the latest virtual reality technology to bring Viking history vividly to life guests are transported back more than a thousand years to experience dramatic tales from the Viking Age Highlights include the rise of Harald Fairhair and a retelling of the Battle of Hafrsfjord offering valuable context to a visit to the swords monument It’s an engaging way to connect the legend with the landscape For a deeper understanding of the Viking Age and its lasting impact on the region, visitors can explore the Archaeological Museum at the University of Stavanger The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts excavated from Viking burial sites and settlements across Rogaland providing valuable insight into the craftsmanship The museum also features the 12,400-year-old skeleton of a polar bear it’s one of the most complete Ice Age polar bear finds anywhere in the world The bear's remains provide a glimpse into the region's prehistoric fauna and climatic conditions While Stavanger’s Viking Age heritage draws many visitors A stroll through Gamle Stavanger reveals one of Europe’s best-preserved collection of wooden houses with more than 170 white-painted homes lining cobbled streets near the waterfront and cruise port the district is now a charming reminder of the city’s maritime past For a deeper understanding of Norway’s modern history the Norwegian Petroleum Museum offers a fascinating look at the oil and gas industry that transformed Stavanger into one of the country’s wealthiest cities Interactive exhibits explain the complex offshore operations that continue to drive the region’s economy Stavanger has also earned a global reputation for street art Large-scale murals from international artists can be found throughout the city adding a contemporary edge to the historic surroundings known for its colourful displays and guided tours nature lovers can venture out on a cruise along Lysefjord where dramatic cliffs and waterfalls provide a striking contrast to Stavanger’s urban appeal Browse Aloud will read the text you point at and give you a visual feedback Mark the text and click the play button to have it read 17 May («syttende mai») is Norway´s Constitution Day Norway´s constitution was signed in Eidsvoll and each year this anniversary gives us all a chance to celebrate that we live in a free and democratic country Everyone is welcome to participate in the celebration of syttende mai This is also a day to celebrate Norway´s cultural diversity and we are glad that we can celebrate together with many other nations There are people representing over 170 different nationalities in Stavanger We hope that this information will make it easier for those of you from other cultures to participate and experience this great day for our country the main Children´s Parade starts from the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel 10:00 Children´s Parades in several of Stavanger´s neighborhoods (see booklet) After the parades: celebrations in many neighborhood schools with food 12:45 Borgertoget (Citizens´ Parade) from the Cathedral to the Concert Hall 13:00 Celebration outside Stavanger Concert Hall with food 13.15 The russ have their own parade from Stavanger Stadium along Eiganesveien to town centre 16:00 Folketoget (People´s Parade) starts from the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel People often have private events afterwards such as barbecues and social gatherings Dress code: On syttende mai we dress up in our best clothes Many Norwegians wear the national costume called bunad Check the weather report and be prepared to bring along a raincoat Flag: Get hold of a small Norwegian flag that you can keep with you during the day Norwegians usually wave the flag and say HURRA Key phrase: «Gratulerer med dagen» means literally «Congratulations with the day!» Respond with «Gratulerer med dagen» We may greet those we meet with these words and a smile Public holiday: All shops and public offices are closed on 17 May  but many restaurants and bars will be open in the city centre on this day Driving: Try not to use your car in the city centre because many streets will be closed off due to the parades Everybody is outside celebrating on this day Watching the parades: Find a place along the parade routes You may greet people in the parade by shouting HURRA or HIPP Russ: The city centre will be full of youth wearing red and blue costumes final year high school graduates who have been up all night celebrating Starts from the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel at 16:00.  but your feedback helps us make this site better We limit the number of times one IP address can submit feedback within a given time frame Monday-Friday from 08.30 to 15.00.In school vacations from 08.30 to 15.00 Organizational number: 964 965 226Municipality number: 1103 Five students and one assistant professor from Montana Technological University traveled to the International Association of Drilling Engineers/Society of Petroleum Engineers (IADC/SPE) Conference Audrie Jensen and Marcus Hermes joined Assistant Professor Dr “I gained a lot of valuable knowledge from this trip,” petroleum engineering senior Mackenzie Cook “The conference focused on machine learning and integrating AI into the industry These two topics always have amazing knowledge to offer.” the students explored the Stavanger Port in the city center where there were souvenir shops They also visited  Øvre Holmegate also known as Fargegaten (the street of colors),  Sverd i Fjell (Three Swords) Monument The group spent hours in the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and taking advantage of all the interactive prototypes available Cook also appreciated the cultural aspects of traveling to Norway “This trip was my first international trip so it really opened my eyes to understand that every country does not operate like we do,” Cook said “From customer service to road signs/driving habits to government regulations I learned so much with every conversation I had with the locals.” also noticed the differences in Norwegian working culture “I think the country really takes care of its people,” Jackson observed “The work week for working offshore is two weeks on compared to the typical North American schedule of two weeks on Young students struggling in class have a ‘social’ portion where they get to walk outside The teacher basically changes the scenery and talks with the student or students one-on-one to process their emotions rather than punishing them They also have no homelessness in Stavanger- our tour guide said it's because of their unemployment policies providing financial aid for a period of time while they apply for jobs They are required to accept the first job offer they receive and encouraged to continue looking if it's not a job they enjoy.” Cook and Jackson went on a cruise along the fjords where they met other students from Texas A&M and Texas Tech They were dropped off at a trailhead where they and six others went on a guided hike to Pulpit Rock This rock is 2,000 feet above sea level and 300,000 people hike to it every year “Even though it was foggy and raining the views were unbelievable,” Cook said but the experience was amazing and made me forget how badly my legs hurt Shaena and I were smiling and laughing through the entire thing We hiked past multiple waterfalls and got the opportunity to refill our water bottles with the freshest natural water We saw Pulpit Rock from sea level on our cruise making it to the top was an amazing accomplishment The photo of us at the top is my favorite photo It looked like we were on top of the world we were served a packed sandwich lunch with warm blackcurrant juice — which was delicious.” which is the world’s longest and deepest underwater car tunnel that stretches 8.9 miles “Seeing the jaw-dropping Norway coast and driving through the tunnel below bedrock were all firsts for me and experiences I'll never forget!” Jackson said Jackson encourages students to join student clubs and organizations that offer opportunities to attend conferences both domestically and internationally “This trip was made possible by the SPE Club on campus,” Jackson said “I say get involved with the student groups on campus to experience conferences among other benefits Montana Tech's SPE Club is for any student interested in working in the energy industry It's great to go to these conferences and connect with other students and industry professionals.” Rathgeber was awarded an opportunity to present on his recent Ph.D research to a captive audience that consisted of international attendees as well as graduates from Montana State University and with ties to Montana Tech “It was certainly an amazing opportunity to be able to present at such a notable conference,” Rathgeber said.“My research focus really aligns with what is happening offshore and in large-scale operations so I felt my audience was very interested in what I had to show.” Rathgeber also took the opportunity to explore with his family while in Norway “The history and beauty of the Norway is truly breathtaking – it makes to take a step back and remember that North America is still a relatively young nation and seeing how the cultures have developed and advanced over thousands of years is awe-inspiring,” Rathgeber said “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to return to the conference next year with future research!” Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information A mural of a farmer by artist Pøbel on a silo facility in Stavanger on Sept 13 points to some of the uncertainties in Norwegian society Even Norway’s oil capital is feeling the impact of the currency’s decline The Norwegian currency has lost about a fifth of its value against the euro since 2022 That’s causing upset in one of the world’s wealthiest — and priciest — countries.   Lately, though, cracks have appeared in this outpost of prosperity as the Norwegian krone has taken a battering, suffering the biggest decline this year among a basket of 10 most-traded currencies. Although Norwegians live a largely western lifestyle the day-to-day rhythms of life here are inevitably ruled by the climate warmth and light are surprisingly easy to come by too particularly in this region–you’ll just have to wait until spring the colder months are the perfect time to embrace the coziness of a sauna or the drama of a ski hill you have gorgeous waters to swim in and expansive terrain to hike The port cities and villages that dot this rugged coastline offer a rich sampling of the very best of Norwegian culture Take a guided tour for an introduction to its rich roots as you set foot in its stave churches and charming eateries serving up local fishers’ freshest catches you’ll discover why Norway is often judged as one of the world’s greatest places to not just visit See: Flåmsbana If you make just one jaunt while in the region which begins at sea level and climbs over 2,800 feet through beautifully rugged terrain to Myrdal mountain station and ranks among the world’s most stunning train routes Touch: The silky white sands of Åkrafjorden one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway Smell: The dewy pines and mineral waters that characterize the region’s iconic fjords like the Aurlandsfjord make time for the hiking routes—most of them accessible by car or by old railways offering plenty of stops along the way The sometimes controversial sub-genre originated in Norway and was inspired by the nation’s wilderness and extreme natural elements Listen as you walk around Stavanger or try and catch a show at cozy live music pub Piren Taste: Fresh berries and smoked fish—all beloved local delicacies—at Flåm’s rambunctious Aegir Microbrewery Taste Norway’s rich and fortifying history and culture like a true Sami The city’s many museums explore local art and artisanal craftsmanship and the agricultural and anthropological history of this busy destination you’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Norway’s obelisk national monument which was built in 1872 to commemorate a century of unification Haraldshaugen is said to be the burial place of Harald Fairhair Viking Adventure | Photo courtesy of Visit Haugesund/Visit Norway. Photo courtesy of Vest Foto/ Ida K. Vollum/Visit Norway.Morning: Take a step back into this city’s rich history by taking a guided tour led by a local expert. Tours offered by Viking Adventure are a sure bet Åkrasanden | Anetlanda/iStock/Getty ImagesAfternoon: Explore the candy-colored facades of the fjordic waterfront, then wander down picturesque Haraldsgata, teeming with cafes and boutiques. An early afternoon aperitif at one of Haugesund’s oldest pubs, Mackkjelleren is a great spot to get chatting with locals and sample this spot’s signature brews Evening: Dine at the dainty, low-key but romantic Dattera Til Lothe Book a table and enjoy their earth fish soups and stews all in a gently lit setting filled with carved woods and fresh flowers Dattera Til Lothe | Photo courtesy of Dattera Til Lothe _____________________________________________________________________ Things to do in StavangerA 12th-century cathedral looms at the heart of this industrial fjordside city bringing together its historic and contemporary vibes with a perfectly Norwegian finesse but its university town status means it is still bursting with plenty of youthful energy One of Norway’s most-talked-about fjords (Lysefjord) is 75 minutes away from town but if you’d rather not make the schlep to the mountains Stavanger is still home to plenty of shopping and eating options to keep you entertained in its downtown area Gamle Stavanger | Photo courtesy of FotoKnoff / Sven-Erik Knoff - Visit Region Stavanger mauinow1/iStock/Getty ImagesMorning: The Gamle Stavanger historic city center and its cobblestone streets will have you seriously considering relocating here Its 170 white wooden houses predate World War II and are lined with sunflowers and foxgloves and copious Norwegian flags Noon: Exploring Lysefjord from Stavanger is also easily done on a tight timeline You may leave late in the morning and be back for an early dinner The ferry goes directly from downtown and the four-hour round trip is worth the drop-dead beautiful scenery you’ll likely spot seals basking on rocks and you’ll also float right past the infamous Vagabond’s Cave and creep close to the intense Hengjanefossen waterfall Lysefjord loop | Photo courtesy of Fjord Norway/fjordnorway.com/Visit NorwayLate afternoon: Grab a table at Gådjå Etiopisk a perfectly local and lowkey eatery that is a Stavanger favorite Sharing platters of spongy buckwheat injera bread and all the bean stews and sauces it can mop up is comforting after a long day spent exploring Evening: If you find yourself in town after dark, you’ll realize that Stavanger isn’t necessarily the place for a wild night out. Check the listings, though, for venues like Piren or Backstage and you might be able to catch some live music Backstage | Nightman1965/Shutterstock _____________________________________________________________________ Things to do in FlåmIf you’ve ever been to Iceland or the Faroe Islands Flåm is a village that calls to mind some of the most remote elements of both beloved destinations This is evident in Flåm’s lush emerald hills and fields and winding bends with striking views around every corner this tiny ancient spot is hugged by mountains over 4,500 feet high The surrounding UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the nation’s most cherished destinations and measures over 10 miles long Home to less than 500 Norwegians who live in the village year-round, Flåm welcomes many thousands of visitors each year who come to see its museum and adorable cafes and restaurants. But the main attraction is without doubt the iconic Flåmsbana railway which allows you to hurtle through the landscape in a vintage train compartment The Flåm railway | Photo courtesy of Torild Moland - TravelStock/Visit Norway. Photo courtesy of Øyvind Heen - fjords.com/Visit Norway.Morning: Make like Elsa and her Frozen friends aboard the Flåmsbana If you feel like you’re living in a movie while in Flåm it’s probably because its scenery is said to have inspired the Disney blockbuster The Flåmsbana from Flåm to Myrdal passes through 20 tunnels and stops many times for photo ops along the way making it the ideal way to experience everything the village and its surroundings have to offer Noon: Marvel in the heights of this majestic railway and enjoy the view from the top. Indulge in a warm waffle or pancake the charming Cafe Rallaren and wind your way back down while enjoying a new view of everything you saw on the way up Fish market | Sergey-73/ShutterstockAfternoon: Take in the sights and smells of Flåm’s catch of the day before settling in at the local legend that is the Green Norway Flåm street food stall in the main village square You might get different jewels of the ocean depending on the day and season but it will be comforting and served in a bustling environment that feels truly characteristic of this friendly Take a seat at a picnic table to slurp down on your fish chowder as you watch the village life go by Evening: Aegir Microbrewery is a family affair founded by an American Norwegian husband-and-wife team It’s a cozy Viking pub where you can do tastings and tours before feasting on hearty dishes that trace their roots back over a century Aegir’s blends of hops with fresh mountain water must be sampled as should their newer range of fruity hard seltzers Aegir Microbrewery | Photo courtesy of Aegir Microbrewery _____________________________________________________________________ What to know before you goThe currencyThe currency is Norwegian kroner (crowns) But credit cards are widely accepted and cash is rarely needed Try and bring slim adaptors for any older plugs When to visit Norway really depends on whether you’re a fire-and-ice sort of person Winters bring the aurora and more winter sports along with the need to pack plenty of layers Visiting during the summer months allows you to experience a wider range of activities and don’t expect anything to come cheap in Norway Meals are generally quite hearty and generous Aquavit is literally the lifeblood of any seafaring fjordperson so make like a local and down it at least once during your visit The Stavanger Astronomical Society was founded in 1969, making it one of the oldest groups of its kind in Norway the society built their own observatory. That same year as they call her, is one of the largest amateur telescopes in Norway with a mirror with a diameter of 18 inches the observatory is home to several telescopes meaning it automatically compensates for the Earth's rotation and follows objects' gradual movement.  the public is invited to peer through the society's telescopes and into the wonder of the night sky The area is also home to an astronomy-themed playground Stavanger Astronomical Society meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m in the cafe building just next to the observatory you can look through the telescopes and into the night sky Lectures are temporarily paused and will resume in August 2024 One of Canada's premier radio observatories sits in a radio-quiet valley outside Penticton the University of Oregon maintains a research observatory on a remote mountain peak An amateur telescope-making club has been gathering at this Vermont site for more than a century The headquarters of one of Japan’s leading astronomy research institutions features several historic observatory facilities and a 2,000-year-old burial mound A 132-year-old telescope continues to keep watch over the night skies above Providence Switzerland's oldest public observatory is an important part of the Zurich cityscape A cheeky name for an observatory visitor's center One of the largest refracting telescopes in the world and the first built specifically for studying astrophysics Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a term that refers to technologies that capture the greenhouse-gas carbon dioxide (CO2) and store it safely underground so it does not contribute to climate change CCS includes both capturing CO2 from large emission sources (referred to as point-source capture) and also directly from the atmosphere.  Learn more at CCS Explained: The Basics by the Global CCS Institute said to be the world's first commercial liquefied CO2 transport ship It should be ready to start operations later this year for the Northern Lights Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project The 130-m long vessel is designed to transport 8,000 metric tons of liquefied CO2 captured from industrial sites in northern Europe to the Northern Lights reception terminal in Øygarden the CO2 will head through a subsea pipeline for permanent storage in a reservoir in the Norwegian North Sea The ship is the first of four custom designed for CO2 transport and ordered by the Northern Lights co-venturers Equinor It will be registered in Norway and managed by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) the joint venture has signed commercial agreements for CO2 offtake with Yara in the Netherlands and Ørsted in Denmark Last year Norway’s government issued four exploration licenses for storing CO2 subsurface and extended offers for two licenses there will be 13 active licenses for storing CO2 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) “The NCS is very attractive for safe CO2 storage," according to Ann Helen Hansen, CCS coordinator at the Norwegian Offshore Directorate (NOD) She added that this is due largely to a combination of storage experience gained by Equinor at the Sleipner and Snøhvit fields; the maturity of the Norwegian shelf where much of the data collected over the years is publicly available; and a regulatory framework that offers predictable terms and conditions up to 2 billion mt of CO2 could be stored on the shelf the final volumes will also depend on issues such as information from future mapping access to CO2 in the market and the type of development solutions chosen for projects Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years computing and scientific journals in the UK He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia.Follow AuthorDec 25 09:49am ESTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .font-size{font-size: 54px;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.color-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-size p{font-size: 36px;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.color-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .font-accent{font-family: Euclid,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;}Locals and tourists frequently mix on the cobbled streets of downtown Stavanger the Norwegian city of Stavanger will embark on a year-long celebration of its 900th anniversary inviting locals and visitors alike to join in commemorating this historic milestone Stavanger is Norway’s fourth-biggest city and located on the country’s southwest coast Although known as a center for Norway’s oil and gas industry it’s also a tourist hub thanks to its picturesque old town and proximity to natural attractions like the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock The festivities will mark the founding of Stavanger in 1125 a year when the impressive Stavanger Cathedral was completed Organized by the city of Stavanger in collaboration with key institutions like the Church of Norway the celebrations aim to leave a lasting legacy for future generations Whether strolling through a glowing cityscape during January’s Glød Light Festival savoring global cuisine along Pedersgata during the Gladmat Food Festival or witnessing the historic departure of the emigrant ship Restauration in July visitors will find countless reasons to immerse themselves in Stavanger’s unique story The overarching theme of Stavanger 2025—“Past Future”—reflects the city’s journey through time Stavanger Cathedral will be a focus point for the 900th anniversay celebrations Present highlights the interplay between nature Stavanger’s role as a tourist hub for the southwestern fjords is relevant here with the Ullandhaug area symbolizing the knowledge hubs driving change including climate and environmental challenges changing demographics and the resulting welfare models The idea is to construct Stavanger Cathedral within the game Minecraft “Students can build the cathedral as it looks now or as they think it will look in 400 years We hope for many creative projects,” said Fimbul’s John Arne Gaard Nilsen The year begins in January with the Glød Light Festival transforming the city with dazzling light installations that promise to brighten up the winter darkness and the performance “The Story of Our City,” held across five city center locations celebrating the city’s culinary diversity with local food and a record-breaking long table history comes to life as a replica of the 1825 ship Restauration sets sail from Stavanger harbor retracing the first Norwegian emigration to America a nine-day festival across Stavanger’s islands such as Michael Rakowitz’s exhibition on lost monuments and the debut of The Stavanger Oratorio Stavanger 2025 concludes in December with Into the Future an event exploring the city’s path forward through culture and innovation—which is set to be an inspiring finale to a year of celebration The European Brass Band Association was formed 30 years ago today With countdown clock started for the 2025 European Brass Band Championships in Stavanger today (30th April) marks the 30th anniversary of the formation of the European Brass Band Association (EBBA) The formation meeting took place in Luxembourg City where the 18th European Championships were being hosted at its Municipal Theatre The city was the 1995 Culture City of Europe and the participants were greeted by a welcome in the official programme from Jacques Santer The event marked the last time that it came under the direct auspices of Boosey & Hawkes SignatoriesThe founding signatories to the formation statues of EBBA were James Abbott (Scotland) Robert Morgan (England) and its first President Markus S Others significantly involved in the setting up of the organisation were Tom Brevik (Norway) and Hansjörg Stalder (Switzerland) The formation of EBBA was first discussed in 1980 when a European Advisory Council was formed with the aim to bring together different European countries into a single representative body In subsequent years EBBA has undertaken wide-ranging changes adding extra competitions as well as initiatives such as the European Youth Brass Band and European Youth Championships The event is now also live-broadcast across the world Looking back on the historic banding moment current EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg told 4BR: "An important fundamental objective was to be able to hold the event in different countries That has been achieved with Lithuania becoming the 14th different host nation in 2024 By doing this the event has been able to work as a locomotive pulling the movement forward as well a being a flagship to showcase the excellence of the brass band movement throughout Europe." The European Championships is now widely acknowledged as the most prestigious band contest in the world — and it is thanks to those people who 30 years ago took the decision to fulfil a huge ambitionEBBADenis Wick He added: "When the festival is held in a different country every year EBBA strives to pass on knowledge from year to year to the hosting organisations to maintain the levels of professionalism and excellence that the event has become renowned for I would like to pay tribute to those who led the way for EBBA and for those who have followed in their footsteps with their countless hours of dedication and commitment to the promotion of European banding The European Championships is now widely acknowledged as the most prestigious band contest in the world — and it is thanks to those people who 30 years ago took the decision to fulfil a huge ambition." 4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month May 6 • The British Open Spring Festival will be held in Birmingham in 2026 May 6 • The incredible live sounds of Mike Lovatt's 'Brass Pack' can now be enjoyed following the release of their new album May 6 • The music making will go on long into the night in Stavanger on Friday with a special Midnight Brass treat from Manger Musikklag May 6 • Whitworth Vale & Healey capture the essence of victory as there are also wins for Delph Dobcross Silver and St John's Mossley in Buxton Veidekke has been commissioned by Base Bolig and BORI BBL to build the first stage of 66 apartments common areas and parking facilities for the Eikeparken project in Stavanger The contract is a design and build contract valued at NOK 190 million excluding VAT This contract is included in Veidekke's order book for the first quarter Capital for the conversion of an office building into what will become Hotell Hinna with 181 rooms in Jåttåvågen in Stavanger The commission is a design and build contract valued at just over NOK 125 million excluding VAT ShareSaveCommentLifestyleTravelHow Stavanger Became Norway’s Street Art CapitalByDavid Nikel David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia.Follow AuthorAug 22 05:26am EDTShareSaveCommentJoining a street art tour is a great way to dive into the culture in Stavanger Aside from being Norway’s energy industry hub, Stavanger is also renowned for its picturesque white with a particularly high concentration in the historic district of Gamle Stavanger The city's pristine white facades create a timeless infusing Stavanger with a burst of color and creativity This striking contrast between the classic wooden houses and the bold expressions of street art adds a distinctive character to the city Stavanger's street art scene is vast and varied The city’s street art ranges from vast eye-catching murals to more subtle work designed to blend in or interact with the physical environment Fine Art graduate Martyn Reed moved from London to Stavanger in 1995 Eye-catching street art can be seen all over Stavanger “I was part of a loose art collective whose practice explored concepts of power how did they use it and who did they share it with I was naturally drawn to working in public space although the concept of street art hadn’t yet taken hold,” says Reed Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase But it wasn’t until six years later when Reed discovered the work of Banksy at an event that things began to develop He was surprised at the lasting impact the meeting had on him: “I thought if this work could do this to me I returned to Stavanger and established Nuart the same year.” Reed eventually assumed responsibility for curating Nuart and notes that once the festival shifted its focus exclusively to street art there was no negative connotations attached to the culture because it was so different stylistically to tagging and graffiti The city took to it immediately and we were able to curate the city in a very free and thoughtful way,” says Reed and enjoyed its “golden years” from 2006 to 2016 Stavanger hosted most of the world’s leading names in street art with many of those works still visible in the city today Visitors arriving into Stavanger by cruise ship are greeted by this mural Nuart did continue to exist in the form of the Nuart Journal Reed has announced plans to resurrect Nuart He says the new body of work aims to “challenge the ‘Disneyfication’ of the culture in a thoughtful and entertaining way.” residencies and projects are set to be produced between September and December The first glimpses are already visible on the streets and crows are among the street-level artworks to pop up so far the crow signifies transformation and rebirth something street art culture “desperately needs after a decade of ‘by the book’ mural festivals sponsored by corporate property developers.” Nuart Festival has returned to the streets of Stavanger with small pieces that interact with the .. At the time of writing, Nuart Festival’s Instagram account is the best place to see the unveiling of this new series It states: “although we’ll continue to applaud the technical and artistic skills of large scale murals and their place in the culture we’re happy to be putting the cherry pickers away and bringing it back down to street level to the grime and the dirt that created this pearl of a culture in the first place.” Local street artist ‘Algebra’ shared her recommended spots with Visit Norway but explained that this will change over time: “The pieces are usually not meant to last forever They're supposed to be covered up with new ones over time Just wandering around Stavanger is the best way to experience the street art Reed says doing this is how you’ve discover multiple smaller works that tours often miss he also recommends the tours offered by Region Stavanger and Guide Companiet which offer an “excellent introduction” to the street art scene for people short on time In stark contrast to the white buildings that define much of central Stavanger Øvre Holmegate—known locally as Fargegaten (the Color Street)—bursts with color 'Øvre Holmegate' is packed with colorful buildings the street was just like any other until a local hair stylist wanted a more vibrant environment to attract more people to his salon—and other businesses on the street The street’s design seems haphazard at first glance but the color combinations are actually the design of Scottish artist Craig Flannagan Join locals for a coffee early in the afternoon in one of the many sidewalk cafes The Scottish representatives in Stavanger will give an open preview of the set-work and their own-choice selection ahead of their 16th European Championship appearance Scotland's European Championship representative the cooperation band will be hosting an 'Open Rehearsal' ahead of their trip to Stavanger It will give supporters the opportunity to hear their preparations on the test-piece 'Transitions in Energy' by Fredrick Schjelderup as well as their own-choice test-piece selection Under the baton of Katrina Marzella-Wheeler the band will be hoping to raise the famous European Trophy in triumph for the first time on what will be their 16th appearance at the event with a brace of runner-up places and another seven top-six finishes The rehearsal takes place on Monday 5th May (7.30pm) at Govan & Linthouse Parish Church in Glasgow (G51 2YL) TAGS: the cooperation band Stavanger Kommune is Norway’s fourth largest municipality and consists of around 145,000 inhabitants served by roughly 11,000 municipality staff The organization has embraced digital technology creating a data platform with the help of its partner It has also invested in AI and the Internet of Things knowledge and technology acquisition Stavanger Kommune has used the technology and data to elevate the services it offers residents Among its innovations is using AI to remove sensitive personal information from data submitted by citizens “Using data more intelligently for both the management and the governance of our community will mean better decision-making and ultimately improved delivery of the services the citizens need And AI is already playing its part in ensuring that.” Head of Innovation and Digitalization at the Stavanger Kommune is reflecting on the increasing need for effective data gathering and management in the public sector and the increasing importance of automation and AI we can enhance our ability to deliver services to the people more efficiently.” “As part of an organization that serves the community what matters to us most is the happiness and wellbeing of the local people by meeting their needs data and technology are the starting point for services that can do that Microsoft Azure OpenAI has been central to that for helping us turn this vision into reality.” It was consolidated in January 2020 by merging two smaller municipalities and now consists of around 145,000  inhabitants living in the city of Stavanger itself and in the surrounding towns and countryside The municipality’s 11,000 -plus employees are involved in managing welfare services and host of other services essential to the lives of the citizens Maximizing the efficiency of those services relies on the collection Gathering and utilizing this massive and growing pool of data digitally is a task the municipality has embraced We might not have enough people in the future to do things the traditional way technologically speaking,” comments Jenseg underlines the commitment of Stavanger to the latest technology  “They are one of the first municipalities in Norway to build their own Microsoft Azure data platform And they have also implemented Power Platform a low-code solution which enables self-service by users as well as started looking into Fabric “There has also been a lot of focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) They are looking into utilizing that technology to measure traffic data And Microsoft products have been used all over the municipality,” he adds and ultimately improved delivery of the services the citizens need.” One specific challenge where Microsoft technology proved to be ideal is the removing of personal and sensitive data from information citizens regularly submit to the municipality Stavanger encourages those affected by any issues in the municipality to report the details  so they can be addressed and hopefully mitigated people leaving comments on the videos and pictures they submit will often include personal information relating to themselves or others it has to be purged of any sensitive information A tedious and time-consuming task for a human worker “Now we have a dashboard so staff and managers can see the appropriate information for demand on the numbers needing to see a healthcare professional.” “We were speaking to Microsoft and Bouvet on a regular basis having brainstorming sessions and thinking about specific use cases,” explains Jenseg “There’s a very good connection between Bouvet and Microsoft and the Stavanger municipality,” adds Molaug "And we were all involved in building the Azure Data Platform and implementing Power Platform governance so when Azure OpenAI started gaining traction we were eager to test it out in different scenarios Erasing personal info from all the data to make sure it conforms to all our regulations seems like an ideal test case.” At the time of writing the data screening program has not yet gone live the company’s earlier efforts to construct a data lake have not only borne fruit by powering the data revolution in Stavanger The Stavanger team have also used the data lake to help manage the frontline medical services for citizens but these were not communicating with one another and were of limited value “Now we have a dashboard so staff and managers can see the appropriate information for demand on the numbers needing to see a healthcare professional it can provide a more holistic picture of demand and thus manage it more effectively,” explains Jenseg According to the municipality’s partner Bouvet Stavanger’s commitment to technology is going from strength to strength “I think all the municipality has become more data driven and I also see a game-changing amount of technology testing The Stavanger Kommune has also been building a lot of digital competence within the municipality,” says Molaug “We see other municipalities surrounding us here They haven't been on the same journey as us yet They haven't had that same technological understanding or have the same focus on data “But we are being approached by other regions who want to learn and change that I think there has been a lot of improvement within the municipality over the last five years,” affirms Jenseg “And digital technology has a lot to do with that evolution.” I think there has been a lot of improvement within the municipality over the last five years And digital technology has a lot to do with that evolution.” We are Microsoft Empowering others Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more Vår Energi joins the University of Stavanger and Junior Achievement in Rogaland on a new 10 credit teaching program for students The initiative wishes to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship competence of students at the Institute Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering and the Department of Energy Resources at the University of Stavanger VP Learning & Development at Vår Energi to find sustainable solutions across disciplines is crucial to meeting tomorrow's demands on the industry: sustainability goals and the comprehensive EU taxonomy are becoming increasingly strong drivers of societal development Tasks and issues are becoming more complex and businesses need to strengthen the ability to adapt now students will be introduced to and trained in the methodology of Junior Achievement based on a real problem developed in collaboration between Vår Energi the University of Stavanger and Junior Achievement Huglen is looking forward to the start-up in autumn 2025 and believes the collaboration is a typical win-win situation: Students will add value by presenting up-to-date theories and knowledge to us while at the same time students will be getting a more realistic and relevant practical use of their theoretical framework The focus on innovation and entrepreneurship as a method at all levels of education is important and I am looking forward to start working with the experts at Junior Achievement and the University of Stavanger" The students will be guided by Junior Achievement experts including access to data and key personnel Students will get on the inside of the business world and be given a unique insight into real processes and authentic issues The aim is to teach the students methods and tools experience and raise the ability to handle multi-complex issues that the students get a more constructive approach to problem solving They learn to work interdisciplinary and build relationships with other professional groups The heads of the two departments at the University of Stavanger Øystein Arild and Alejandro Escalona welcome the initiative: We believe it is important to help reduce the gap between the needs of the industry and education trends Our task is to equip students with the qualities skills and tools required to be able to produce and deliver in the industries of tomorrow The ability to handle complex tasks and work methodically across disciplines is clearly only becoming more and more important" Photo: from left - Manager of Junior Achievement in Rogaland Aksel Hiorth at the University of Stavanger and Astrid Huglen Vår Energi has around 1400 employees and equity stakes in 42 producing fields We have our headquarters outside Stavanger This section of the website is exclusively reserved for members of the FIM Family: CONUs members and honorary members of the commissions You are a member of the FIM Family and do not have your access? Do not hesitate to contact us Sign in The FIM is also involved in non-sport activities - tourism or sport-related activities such as women in motorcycling sustainability is linked to both sporting and non-sporting areas as is the educational side we are developing to get the new generation on 2 wheels We inform you about all aspects of the motorcycling world The FIM and the promoter ESDEUX are delighted to announce the launch of the FIM Women’s X-Trial Trophy The first edition will take place in Barcelona (Spain) and Stavanger (Norway) as part of the FIM X-Trial Championship rounds The Barcelona event at the Palau Sant Jordi will be held on February 2nd as part of the Barcelona X-Trial The local promoter RPM has been the pioneer organiser of women's indoor competitions the competition will move to Norway in Stavanger which will host the FIM X-Trial World Championship for the first time including the second round of the FIM Women's X-Trial Trophy on February 8 at the DNB Arena The objectives of the FIM and ESDEUX are to consolidate women's competition encourage the development of riders who compete in X-Trials and open the door to more participants around the world by following the same strategy carried out in other disciplines of motorcycle racing A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger The European Brass Band Association has announced the series of own-choice test-pieces that will be performed by bands in the Championship and Challenge Sections in Stavanger they consist of a combination of new compositions and existing major works with just one 'repeat' to be heard in the Championship Section A world premiere will be heard with 'Remembrance' by Thomas Doss whilst there will be European Championship premieres of '***** Concerto no 10 for Brass Band Percussion & Onde Martenot (Ludovic Neurohr); 'Angels & Demons' (Peter Graham); 'Sinfonietta No 4 — Adhyatmika Svatantrata' (Pierre-Antoine Savoyat); 'The Forest for the Trees' (Wim Bex); 'The Legend of King Arthur' (Peter Meechan); 'The Lost Circle' (Jan Van der Roost); 'This World' (Thomas Doss) and 'Two Worlds' (Philip Harper) 'A Gabrieli Fantasy' (Bert Appermont) and 'Metropolis 1927' (Peter Graham) have been performed on three previous occasions as own-choice selections 'Myth Forest' (2013) and 'Fraternity' (2016) were first heard at set-works at the contest Of the three own-choice pieces to be heard in the Challenge Section 'Tallis Variations' (Philip Sparke) was first heard as the Championship Section set-work in the year 2000 and once before in this section as an own-choice There will be European premieres for 'A King's Lie' (Stan Nieuwenhuis) and 'Impermanence of the flow' (Yvan Lagger) The music that will be performed at the European Youth Championships has also been announced (see below) 10 for Brass Band Percussion & Onde Martenot (Ludovic Neurohr)A Gabrieli Fantasy (Bert Appermont)Angels & Demons (Peter Graham)Fraternity (Thierry Deleruyelle)Jesus in Tibet (Simon Dobson)*Metropolis 1927 (Peter Graham)Myth Forest — Hestefallstjønn (Stig Nordhagen)Remembrance (Thomas Doss)Sinfonietta No 4 — Adhyatmika Svatantrata (Pierre-Antoine Savoyat)The Forest for the Trees (Wim Bex) The Legend of King Arthur (Peter Meechan) The Lost Circle (Jan Van der Roost) This World (Thomas Doss)Two Worlds (Philip Harper) A King's Lie (Stan Nieuwenhuis) Impermanence of the flow (Yvan Lagger) Tallis Variations (Philip Sparke) As has become the norm in recent years, they consist of a combination of new compositions and existing major works, with just one 'repeat' to be heard in the Championship Section4BR Denis Wick Across the Desert from 'Sand and Stars' (Thierry Deleruyelle)Brasilia (Robin Dewhurst)Corineus (Christopher Bond)Euroflash (Damien Lagger)For a Love Lost (Tom Davoren)Ignition (Stalter arr Rutten) It Ain't Necessarily So (Gershwin arr Fernie)Nordic Polska (Edenroth & Kallio arr Fernie)Pantomime (Philip Sparke)Phantom of the Opera — Overture to Act 1 (Lloyd Webberarr Ex-Tension (Frederick Schjelderup)Pradžios vėjas (Saulius Petreikis) Drake Passage (Magnus Brandseth)Finale from Neptune's Bellows (Magnus Brandseth)Gospel Brass Machine (Mark Taylor)Living Power (Tom Davoren)Morgenstemning/Morning Mood (Grieg arr Brand)Osterfjorden (Stijn Aertgeerts)2nd Movt: Concertino for Euphonium — Red Sky (Tom Davoren)Sunset Serenade (Thomas Doss)The Boatman's Ballad (Frode Rydland)The Kingdom Triumphant (Eric Ball)The Volcano's Heart (Magnus Brandseth) By 2025-03-05T08:44:00+00:00 US aerospace firm Beta Technologies is to test its Alia CX300 electric aircraft in the Norwegian airspace zone set up as an area for zero- and low-emission trials Beta became the first developer to sign formally for test flights through an agreement at Bergen on 4 March under a partnership with Norwegian airports operator Avinor the Norwegian civil aviation authority and operator Bristow Norge The Alia aircraft will be flown between Stavanger Sola and Bergen airports under the trial programme which commences in the third quarter “We see great value in demonstrations in real-world settings both to understand performance and suitability for different missions but also to involve local communities in what this technology can offer,” says Beta Technologies sales manager Patrick Buckles All the test flights will be cargo operations Beta’s CX300 has a conventional take-off configuration and will conduct cargo flights during the test period “This regulatory sandbox evaluation project exemplifies our philosophy of crawling walking and running for early adoption of new aviation technologies,” says Bristow Group executive vice-president and chief transformation officer Dave Stepanek The aircraft to be used, N214BT, is the second production-ready airframe Beta has been carrying out validation flights with N214BT in the USA while its sister aircraft The Norwegian trials follow the decision last year between the country’s regulator and Avinor to establish an international test zone for low-emission aviation Avinor says the government has allocated NKr50 million ($4.5 million) to the scheme this year part of a broader NKr1 billion investment in a national transport plan being implemented over the next decade Norwegian transport minister Jon-Ivar Nygard says the “significant” regional air transport market and decentralised airport network as well as an electric and hydrogen propulsion industry give the country a “good starting point” to adopt new technologies early “We want more knowledge about what the different technologies and aircraft require in terms of airport facilities and the necessary energy supply needs,” says Avinor executive vice-president for sustainability concept and infrastructure development Karianne Helland Strand “We now have a procurement of fast chargers for electric aircraft for Bergen and Stavanger in the market to facilitate the first test flight.” Avinor says a charger supplier will be selected and the system installed at Stavanger in June with a mobile charger made available at Bergen by August Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flynas is to proceed with an initial public offering under which it will sell shares representing 30% of its capital Flynas secured approval for the offering from the kingdom’s Capital Market Authority at the end of March The airline intends to sell 33.8 million existing shares .. Boeing 747 operators are being instructed to carry out prompt elevator checks after a 747-8 freighter was flown without balance weights after maintenance The US FAA states that the 747-8F was flown with a right-hand outboard elevator which had been received and installed without the weights Italian carrier ITA Airways has edged into full-year operating profit with a surplus of €3 million ($3.4 million) a performance which it claims is ahead of schedule While ITA also posted a net loss of €227 million it states that it achieved the positive operating result even before the intervention .. Lilium’s collapse has claimed another victim with German battery supplier CustomCells – which had pledged to fund the electric air taxi developer’s revival – now itself facing insolvency AALTO has claimed a new stratospheric flight record with its Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station with one of its vehicles having remained airborne for more than two months Qatar Airways’ cargo division is to be the launch customer for the Boeing 777-200LR freighter conversion programme established by US-based Mammoth Freighters The disclosure follows the initial test flight of the prototype converted aircraft (N705DN) following its modification at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth FlightGlobal is the global aviation community’s primary source of news analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation community globally and help organisations shape their business strategies identify new opportunities and make better decisions faster Site powered by Webvision Cloud member-first insights and commentary on the global aviation industry EBBA opt for musical experience in deciding the European titles in Stavanger next month The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has announced the adjudicators who will make the title winning decisions at this year's European Championships in Stavanger The Festival takes place between the 4th May — 11th May with the European Conductors Championship accolade the first to be decided on Thursday 8th May 12 contenders will initially take part in the event judged by Isabelle Ruf Weber and Allan Withington where the judges are joined by Benjamin Haemhouts The three finalists will be judged by Allan Withington The Championship Section will see the experienced trio of Isabelle Ruf Weber Bert van Thienen and Corsin Tuor adjudicate the set-work discipline Michael Bach and Jan de Haan in the box for the Own-Choice element Isabelle Ruf Weber adjudicated the Championship Section at the event in 2003 and has extensive top flight adjudication experience with appointments at the Norwegian Bert van Thienen has previously adjudicated at the European Championships in 2019 and 2023 whilst Swiss conductor Corsin Tuor will make his European debut having judged numerous domestic contests events Frode Amundsen adjudicated the top section at the European Championships in 2004 and again in 2011 with Jan de Haan making his debut in 1994 and appearing again in 1998 The Challenge Section will be adjudicated by Bert van Thienen and Allan Withington The Youth Championship on the Sunday will be judged by Russell Gray said: "The Music Commission is delighted that we have been able to secure the services of such an impressive body of jury members for the Festival in Stavanger They bring many years of experience as performers The Music Commission is delighted that we have been able to secure the services of such an impressive, and musically diverse, body of jury members for the Festival in StavangerEBBA Music CommissionDenis Wick European Conductors Competition:Isabelle Ruf Weber Allan Withington Ben Haemhouts Russell Gray Michael Bach Isabelle Ruf Weber Bert van Thienen Corsin Tuor Development Section:Arfon Owen Corsin Tuor 18 November 202407:04(UTC)Last modified18 November 202414:52Photo: Odfjell DrillingEquinor has awarded a two-year firm contract to Northern Ocean Wind AS to employ the mobile rig Deepsea Bollsta on the Norwegian continental shelf.  The contract value for the firm period is calculated at around USD 335 million, with planned start-up in the later part of 2025. The contract also includes five one-year options. “We have an ambition to maintain our production from the Norwegian continental shelf at a high level towards 2035, supplying the energy that Europe demands. Our ability to continuously drill new wells is at the heart of this. There is still a large remaining resource potential in our producing fields. We also see attractive exploration opportunities in Norway,” says Kjetil Hove, executive vice president for Exploration and Production Norway (EPN). Northern Ocean Wind AS is a company owned by Northern Ocean Ltd. Deepsea Bollsta will be operated by Odfjell Drilling. They currently operate three rigs for Equinor, Deepsea Aberdeen, Deepsea Atlantic and Deepsea Stavanger. Currently, the rig is in Africa and has been drilling in Namibia but has previous track-record for operations in Norway. “We are pleased to continue our cooperation with the Odfjell Drilling, who has demonstrated a strong safety and performance culture. This will add flexible capacity to our drilling portfolio. On average we have 25 active drilling operations on the Norwegian continental shelf. Rig capacity is important for us, we plan to deliver 50-70 increased recovery wells and 20-30 exploration wells annually going forward,” says Erik Kirkemo, senior vice president for Drilling and Well. Deepsea Bollsta is a sixth-generation harsh environment, winterized, mobile rig. The contract value does not include integrated rig services or mobilisation/demobilisation fees. Equinor Brasil Energia Ltda., a subsidiary of Equinor ASA, has entered into agreements(1) with Brazilian company Prio Tigris Ltda., a subsidiary of PRIO SA (PRIO3.SA) for a sale of its 60% operated interest in the Peregrino field in Brazil. 30 April 2025 Equinor delivered adjusted operating income* of USD 8.65 billion and USD 2.25 billion after tax in the first quarter of 2025. Equinor reported net operating income of USD 8.87 billion and net income at USD 2.63 billion. Adjusted net income* was USD 1.79 billion, leading to adjusted earnings per share* of USD 0.66. 30 April 2025 NYSE: EQNR) will after the annual general meeting 14 May 2025 commence the second tranche of up to USD 1,265 million of the share buy-back programme for 2025 as announced in relation with the first quarter results 30 April 2025 About  .  Contact  .  Donation Archaeologists from the University of Stavanger’s Museum of Archaeology have rediscovered the reliquary of St long thought to have been lost during the Protestant Reformation within a crypt beneath Stavanger Cathedral in Norway an Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester in England during the 9th century was renowned for his posthumous miracle-working including the famous restoration of a basket of eggs His relics were distributed among various shrines following his death in 863 with one part believed to have been brought to Stavanger by Bishop Reinald including a gilded copper plate adorned with a depiction of a church building a gilded silver medallion featuring an animal motif along with other discoveries such as ivory figurines point to the existence of the cathedral’s long-lost reliquary “We were very surprised when we carried out an X-ray examination of the copper plate The image clearly reveals a church building with tower and roof columns and windows,” explained conservator Bettina Ebert The findings suggest that some of the cathedral’s treasures were hidden in the crypt during the Middle Ages to protect them from destruction Among the notable artifacts found in the excavation are fragments of stained glass windows a burial chamber believed to belong to a bishop and a woven gold band from the vestments of a church official The discovery also includes the papal seal of Boniface VIII and various utilitarian objects from daily life “The finds in the basement have exceeded all expectations and reflect more than 1,000 years of Stavanger’s history They demonstrate the cathedral and city’s clerical wealth and contact with Rome in a way not previously seen in the archaeological material,” stated Denham The museum plans to exhibit these treasures in 2025 coinciding with the cathedral’s 900th anniversary and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative or even travel across the country – and no one bats an eyelid Why do these kids have so much independence Nila and Arion arrive home after finishing school for the day or do the housework they’ve been asked to do Their parents won’t be home for a few hours yet The children sometimes go out with friends to play in the street or wander the fields The only real rule is no screen time unless everything else has been taken care of except the sister and brother are just 10 and eight and they’ve been living this kind of unsupervised mini-adult life for years They live in Stavanger, on the south-west coast of Norway they’ve been walking to and from school alone since they first attended at the age of six They were given their own set of house keys soon after This is the parenting way in Norway – it’s decidedly free-range with a dash of outdoor fun thrown in for good measure I’ve known Nila and Arion since they were born (their parents are close friends) and I have consistently marvelled at the space and freedom they are given I can never help but compare their upbringing with the way I and millions of other Britons were raised While not exactly repressive or restrictive 80s British parenting didn’t value autonomy in the same way I certainly didn’t get my own chef’s knife for my eighth birthday She puts it to good use; she’s solely responsible for cooking dinner for the family one night a week (From left) Giancarlo Photograph: Marie von Krogh/The Guardian“I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t parent like this,” says Nila and Arion’s dad He recalls one child in Nila’s class whose parents moved to another town a few years back this child now walks 20 minutes from his home to the train station then has another 20-minute walk at the other end from the station to school Norwegian children as young as seven have been known to make solo journeys from one end of Norway to the other to visit their divorced parents.) and moved to Stavanger in 2006 after meeting his Norwegian wife He teaches at a nearby college and is now a fully integrated member of Norwegian society – and a paid-up member of the free-range parenting club But he admits it did take him some time to adjust But this is a philosophy that runs deeper than Norway’s pockets and it’s been around far longer than the country’s well-funded public services have There’s evidence that Viking children as far back as the ninth century were raised in a relatively similar way: treated as adults and expected to chip in with whatever work needed to be done deeply ingrained to the point that most Norwegians I’ve spoken to can’t understand either the fascination with their method “The children had to be strong and hardened and trained to be independent and loyal,” says Mørch “Perhaps most parents today are not aware of this history but building trust between parents and children remains a basic relational quality in modern Norwegian child-raising.” ‘Building trust between parents and children remains a basic quality in Norway’ … Willy-Tore Mørch Photograph: David JensenTveit adds that Norwegian children are so independent that they organise their own playdates with peers “I spend time in the US and I see how the parents arrange those things even young children will organise their social events and manage their spare time It’s normal for Norwegian children to tell their parents what they’re doing; it’s not that normal to ask permission They are just trusted to make good decisions.” Trust is something that comes up when I talk to Giancarlo and Lena about their parenting they’re happy for Nila and Arion to be out all day as long as they know roughly what time they’ll return – and the children comply Lena says this is how her mother and grandmother were raised and fondly remembers going to school herself as a six-year-old with a front door key around her neck on a piece of string She also thinks this way of parenting should be preserved despite the temptation to introduce technology into the equation where you can track them and so on,” she says “[But] it’s really important to me that it’s not a fake sense of freedom that we give the children There was one time we thought Nila had gone missing and even though I know if she’d had one of those watches we could’ve just checked to see where she was and not been worried It turns out Nila had been playing out with a friend when the friend’s grandparent invited them indoors for a drink and an iced bun and she had simply lost track of time “It was important for her to see we were worried is a big part of Norwegian parenting – enjoy the freedom to make mistakes Or maybe falling will make you a better climber in future an unofficial moral code that seems to guide Nordic countries In summary – following rules: good; exceptionalism: bad Mørch says the Norwegian parenting style cannot be understood without assessing the influence of the psychologist Åse Gruda Skard Skard was a famous figure in postwar Norway where she appeared on radio programmes and in newspapers to spread her groundbreaking ideas on “free child-rearing” as a response to the authoritarianism seen before and during the war “She strongly opposed a punishment-oriented parenting style instead teaching parents to look at things from the child’s perspective to ask: what does the child experience in this situation How can I help the child to understand what’s going on How can I support the child in this situation?” As much as I admire the way my friends have raised their children – both of them kind fun and well-mannered – as a recent new parent these techniques remain aspirational for the most part and I can’t imagine adopting many of them myself but I’m not so sure about my future five-year-old returning home to tell me he’d been working on his stick whittling and knife skills at his London nursery – as preschoolers do here in Stavanger According to Justine Roberts, the CEO of Mumsnet I’m not alone in my admiration for the Nordic way of parenting users like the freedom that children have in the Scandi way of doing things and the fact that it can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle with more outside play There’s also a feeling that children are more integrated into society,” she says If you just look at the way attitudes to outside play have changed over the last generation it’s very clear that parents are more reluctant to take on even the smallest risk.” Roberts believes British parents became more scared of unsupervised outdoor play sometime in the early 90s and blames the decade’s breathless media coverage of the threats posed by paedophiles “The crime rate is definitely a factor,” she says “Most mums agree that it just wouldn’t be possible to parent like that here It’s a shame because giving kids freedom to run around with their friends outside seems to have many advantages – for the children and their parents.” there’s a saying in Norwegian: Det finnes ikke dårlig vær bare dårlige klær (“There’s no such thing as bad weather where children are sent with a range of equipment and clothing for anything the climate can throw at them And know this – they will be outside at some point during the day we encourage the children to try to get over obstacles climb rocks and walk on rough terrain,” says Hanne Myhre who works as a pedagogical leader in a kindergarten in Stavanger “This improves the children’s motor skills and we find that they become more robust and independent Sometimes they fall and maybe hurt themselves but they are comforted by the staff and after a while we can encourage them to try again.” Myhre adds that children are expected to dress themselves (with support is the number of smaller kindergartens and schools located in each neighbourhood meaning that while children do travel to and from school alone it helps that there is low crime,” she says we also teach children not to go anywhere with strangers and we practise safe walking in traffic.” The low crime rate and close proximity of homes to schools helps children with their independence Photograph: Marie von Krogh/The GuardianShe believes instilling these skills helps foster independence grounded adults with a head for decision-making That was the consensus among everyone I spoke to for this piece difficult to know which of the traits someone has in adulthood came from the way they were raised and which came from elsewhere just as it’s impossible to tell how someone might have turned out if they had been raised in a different way and not something that is endlessly questioned or even really observed “This parenting style has been exposed to criticism in the past 10 to 15 years,” says Prof Mørch “Just as ‘curling parents’ (who sweep away any obstacles for the child) ‘helicopter parents’ (who monitor their child all the time) and ‘cotton parents’ (who pack their child in cotton wool to prevent any accident) have been criticised.” arguing that free-range children will learn all they need to about the world without unnecessary intervention “They do not need parents to organise their problems.” HomeEquinor ONS 2024ONS Stavanger harbourGood vibes in our Equinor tent in Vågen at ONS+We hosted debates with politicians climate organisations and colleagues from Equinor on stage showcased technology and presented people who are working with innovation to revolutionise the energy transition served delicious dishes and hosted Science Circus Panel discussion: What is the status of the energy transition?Take part in the discussion Finansavisen (Norwegian financial daily) journalist and podcaster Marius Lorentzen will moderate the debate on the pace of the energy transition Here you will meet politicians Tina Bru (Conservative Party) and Ingvild Kjerkol (Labour Party); Jannik Lindbæk from Equinor Anne Karin Sæther from the Norwegian Climate Foundation and Karoline Andaur from WWF We invite you to an open and honest debate about what it takes for us to accelerate the energy transition What is expected of the energy industry and politicians - and what role can climate organisations play They are changing the rules of the game – meet six companies that can revolutionize the energy transitionGet an insight into the technologies that are likely to revolutionize the climate-friendly solutions of the future and get to know the people behind innovative solutions that push society and the world in a more sustainable direction Musical entertainmentJoin us at the end of the day – enjoy a great musical performance Mingling and networkingOur tent remains open until midnight with the possibility to purchase refreshments from the bar create a good atmosphere and recharge for a new and eventful day with us in Stavanger Youth Q & A session: Technology in school - games or learning?What do young people think about technology and artificial intelligence schools and the authorities will be challenged by young people on topics such as technology learning methods and artificial intelligence in school solve these dilemmas?Come and listen to the young people from Stavanger meeting the politician Margret Hagerup (H) from the Standing Committee on Education and Research; Stian With principal of Vardeheia lower secondary school and course leader for mentors in the First Lego League Technology and human intelligenceSay hello to our robotic dog check out how we can create a scanned digital model of objects to be 3D printed and explore subsea installations with VR glasses you also get to know the people who manage our technology because technology is nothing without bright minds using human intelligence.Ask them anything you want to know Mingling and tunes from DJ MaikenNo need to end the evening just yet with possibilities to buy refreshments from the bar steaming popcorn and fun tasksScience Circus from Jærmuseet takes over our tent organizing exciting activities for young and old Taste delicious dishes from our menu on the Norwegian continental shelfWatch our skilled chef apprentices in action as they create delicious treats for you to taste Offshore Norway debate: What kind of energy nation should Norway be?After several days of discussions and shared insights into the challenges facing the energy industry a group of top politicians gather in the Equinor tent for a debate organized by Offshore Norway And feel free to have a chat with us when you stop by the tent Mingling and networkingMaybe you're planning to go to the Dagny concert in Vågen In any case - our tent remains open until midnight 13 participants will head to Stavanger to see if they can claim the 8th European Conductors Competition title The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) has announced the 13 conductors selected to participate in the 8th European Conductors Competition in Stavanger in May 31 entries were received from across Europe with the EBBA Music Commission selecting the participants to be invited to Stavanger The first round will begin on Sunday 4th May where six conductors will subsequently be chosen to go through to the second round by the competition jury That will take place on 6th May with three finalists chosen by a second jury to compete in the final on Thursday 8th May where each will conduct a major brass band work said: "EBBA are delighted with the overall quality of the entries and the selection process was not straight-forward at all The Music Commission could have easily put over 20 entries through to the first round in Stavanger the competitors will work with Norwegian First Division band Sinfonietta Insimul will be directed in the second round with the finalists conducting Stavanger Brass Robin Bartholini (Switzerland)Neil Brownless (United Kingdom)Lars Corijn (Belgium)Tom Ole Elgsaas (Norway)Roel Laethem (Belgium)Elisa Lapan (Austria)Jaap Musschenga (The Netherlands)Arian Pedersen (Norway)Florentin Setz (Switzerland)Eline Storheim (Norway)Paul van Gils (The Netherlands)Kristoffer Nikolai Wøien (Norway)Simon-Emiil Bergstrøm Waage (Norway) Source:  Image by Alan Kean Shutterstock An international competition is seeking a design team for an upgrade of the Rogaland Theatre and Stavanger Museum in Norway [Deadline: 19 May 2025] The two-stage competition – organised by Stavanger Municipality – invites architects to step forward for an opportunity to create a new home for the city’s main theatre and museum which occupy neighbouring sites close to Stavanger Harbour The project will retain parts of the historic theatre – which was founded in 1883 and enlarged several times throughout the 20th century – and the nearby museum while creating a new building between the two facilities in Kannikhøyden According to the brief: ‘Stavanger City Council and Rogaland County Council have adopted a joint development of Rogaland Theatre and Stavanger Museum on the current plots ‘The oldest parts of the theatre building and the historic museum building will be preserved and a new building will be established next to the historic facilities the client needs to have an architectural solution proposal prepared The solution proposal prepared in the planning and design competition will form the basis for the project in the further work.’ Stavanger is the third largest city in Norway. The latest competition comes four years after an international contest was held for a new ‘modern and future-orientated’ addition to Norway’s landmark Anno Museum in Hamar Last year, the National Association of Norwegian Architects launched an international contest for a new visitor centre at the former home of the artist Nikolai Astrup The latest project will create a new enlarged home for the theatre which has long outgrown its facilities and has been in the process of exploring regeneration options for the past 15 years Judges will include Stavanger Museum chief executive Siri Aavitsland; Glenn André Kaada director of the Rogaland Theatre; Ole Ueland county mayor of Rogaland County Municipality; three yet-to-be-named architects and a landscape architect Six shortlisted teams will be invited to draw up concepts during the competition’s second round An overall winner will be announced on 10 November Hutchison Ports is recruiting a design team for its new £9 million… An open international contest is being held for a major €27.5 million… An international design and build contest is being held for 25 new… The UK Research and Innovation Science and Technology Facilities Council (UKRI-STFC) has… Magnus Carlsen continued his winning streak in Norway as Hikaru Nakamura gained the No 2 ranking but China’s world champion finished a poor last of six last weekend’s $161,000 event in Stavanger was Magnus Carlsen’s 10th victory in his last 11 starts and also a significant success for Hikaru Nakamura The 36-year-old streamer regained a 2800 rating and passed Fabiano Caruana to take over as No 2 in the Fide world rankings Carlsen assessed it as “a good performance but I feel I was quite professional in the way that I handled the last seven games or so My mindset went from trying to play fun chess The No 1 scored many points from Armageddon replays after the classical game was drawn Carlsen is particularly strong in Armageddons as White where he has scored 16/17 since the rules changed in 2019 Norway Chess at Stavanger began in 2013 and for the first six years Carlsen won the event only once apparently feeling the ­pressure of being the home favourite in the six years since Armageddon was introduced plus six world championships and two top board Olympiad golds Carlsen’s 11-event lead over his rival for No 1 all-time great is more than explained by his 12 World Rapid and World Blitz championships and his six online titles none of which were available in Kasparov’s era Carlsen has had eight so far at Wijk aan Zee while Carlsen has said that he will retire before 40 so the debate on who is the greatest is likely to continue Kasparov often played around four major events a year but had a 10-year unbeaten streak as well as a run of 15 consecutive tournament victories though the comments page is open if you think otherwise Meanwhile, Ding Liren’s travails continue. China’s world champion had performed poorly in 2024 at Wijk aan Zee and Grenke, and said at the start of ­Stavanger that his ambition there was “not to finish last”. He did win two mini-matches, including a ­convincing defeat of Nakamura but still finished sixth of six with only 7/30 Ding has apparently had intermittent depression for several months He still has at least two events to regain his old form the ­Sinquefield Cup at St Louis in August and the 180-nation Olympiad at Budapest in ­September before he defends his title against India’s 18-year-old Gukesh ­Dommaraju in November-December Ju Wenjun won the Women’s Norway Chess title and $65,000 by defeating her old rival Lei Tingjie in the decisive final round. The women’s tour now moves to St Louis, where the $200,000 Cairns Cup the richest all-female tournament in chess winner of the 2024 Candidates and Ju’s 2025 challenger Tan gave an unexpectedly offbeat answer when New in Chess asked her why China has so many strong chess players: “It’s probably because of China’s one-child policy. This led to many parents trying to push their child to get the best out of them. Ding Liren is another result of this.” She then said: “That’s something that is not easy to copy/paste.” Free weekly newsletterThe best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action Read moreEthan Pang, the nine-year-old who last week became the youngest ever 2200-rated player The Westminster Under School pupil has been selected as a wildcard for next month’s British Championship in Hull Pang will break GM David Howell’s age record are the eight-time winner GM Michael Adams and the England Olympiad team players GM Gawain Jones and GM Luke McShane is ineligible to compete due to the championship’s 12-month residency requirement Sohum Lohia, 15, achieved his second International Master (IM) norm in Budapest last week, where his round-one victory in a sharp tactical battle against a 2536-rated GM proved a fine start Lohia is currently competing for his third and final norm at Helsinki Chessfest the annual family friendly and free celebration of the game in Trafalgar Square Last year 15,000 visitors came for the opportunity to challenge a grandmaster or master at five-minute blitz chess or in a simultaneous display Many of England’s top players and rising junior talents will be present There will be free lessons for adult and child beginners and a Living Chess game with actors as pieces Three young players from the Parc & Dare Band will be heading to Norway to represent the nation as part of the European Youth Brass Band Parc & Dare Band will be supporting Welsh musical efforts in Stavanger in the next few weeks after three of the band's young players were included in the line-up for the European Youth Brass Band Sol Maghur (soprano) Gareth Rolland (bass trombone) and Sean Linton (Eb bass) will fly out to Stavanger to work under the baton of EYBB MD Margie S Antrobus for what promises to be a busy schedule of events The trip adds another dimension to what is fast becoming a memorable year after the trio played the band claim the First Section Welsh Regional Championship and the ConsTest Championship title and it's an honour to see them representing not only our band but also the very best of Welsh youth brass talent on an international stage." TAGS: European Youth Band With its strategic focus on green transition it’s an ideal region for businesses and investors looking to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability and market access to grow your business.  Investing in Stavanger means investing in a sustainable future — one where expertise and green growth converge to drive both regional and global progress.  If Stavanger succeeds in the green transition With over 60 years of experience as the heart of Norway’s oil and gas industry Stavanger’s expertise is now driving the shift towards a more sustainable This transition isn’t just about energy; it’s about utilizing the region’s vast knowledge—from engineering to project management—to reshape industries for a low-carbon future.  Stavanger is home to some of Norway’s most active and growing industrial clusters Key players like Energy Transition Norway and the Norwegian Offshore Wind Cluster are pioneering efforts to shift the energy sector toward renewables Stavanger’s legacy in oil and gas gives it a unique advantage as the region repurposes its world-class engineering and technological expertise for a sustainable future.  From its origins as a canning town to its rise as Norway’s oil capital Stavanger has always thrived through adaptation it is transforming from an oil hub to a green energy capital The region boasts a highly skilled and tech-driven business community offering companies a distinct competitive edge in the global race toward sustainability Stavanger’s unique capabilities in digitalization and artificial intelligence further enhance its position as a leader in this transformation.  Stavanger’s tech ecosystem is not only helping drive the green transition but also opening up entirely new industries The region’s expertise in cutting-edge technologies makes it difficult to replicate by competitors giving local businesses a significant advantage in international markets Many of the startups and companies emerging from the region have high-value creation potential positioning Stavanger as a fertile ground for businesses seeking sustainable growth.  Stavanger has fostered a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovators the region has become a hotbed for new business creation Stavanger set records for new business formations The region is Norway’s fourth-largest aquaculture municipality and is a heavyweight in research and technology related to the marine sector As the industry expands from fjords to open seas Stavanger’s expertise in aquaculture will have far-reaching effects with ambitious goals to increase production and adopt innovative technologies for future food production.  The region’s combination of fjords and archipelagos offers unique opportunities for expanding aquaculture and cutting-edge facilities—such as test centers for new species—to support the future of sustainable seafood production Head of Economic Development and International Affairs Telephone51 50 70 90 EmailSend us an e-mail Go to the city's main page - stavanger.kommune.no/en Travel experience player Avolta has opened two food & beverage outlets under a recently agreed five-year contract at Stavanger Airport The company is the sole F&B operator in Domestic Departures at the location from Michelin-starred Norwegian chef Sven Erik Renaa where travellers can find pastries and sourdough loaves An express area caters to travellers with less time offering a selection of ready-to-go hot and cold food and drinks including barista-style coffee throughout the day Crafts – Rogaland Gastropub is the other opening serving local and international draught beers and classic gastropub dishes such as The Craft House Burger or Fish & Chips which uses local beer from Lervig Brewery in its batter plus plant-based and sustainable alternatives In line with its pledge to create sustainable travel experiences Avolta has partnered with Klimato to advise of each menu item’s carbon footprint calculation allowing guests to make a conscious choice before purchasing Central and Eastern Europe Walter Seib said: “We are delighted to build upon Avolta’s longstanding partnership with Stavanger Airport and to continue to work with highly awarded Stavanger chef Sven Erik Renaa to elevate the catering experience at the airport making the journey as rewarding as the destination “These concepts are a notch above where travellers might expect to dine before flying and I’m confident they’ll make the journey more enjoyable for holidaymakers and commuters alike.” Stavanger Airport Commercial Director Elisabeth Strømstad said: “We are delighted to welcome Sirkus Renaa here at Stavanger Airport Sola the airport has been focusing on locally sourced food together with the importance of passenger experience “We want the guests at the airport to recognise the region they have visited Stavanger Airport Sola produces both honey and tomatoes We are so happy that Sirkus Renaa have incorporated the products on the menu and a big thank you to Avolta for being a valued partner for Avinor.” Sven Erik Renaa said: “I am excited to showcase our Sirkus at Stavanger Airport pizzaiolos and pastry chefs are the best in their field and will do their utmost to offer travellers a large and varied selection with a focus on quality authentic and healthy options for people on the go [including] fresh bread Stavanger Airport is the third-busiest airport in Norway serving around 4 million passengers a year Subscribe to our newsletter for critical marketing information delivered to your inbox HMSHost will debut six new restaurants spanning over 725sq m Hudson separately captured a seven-year contract to launch a Manhattan-inspired retail store and Terminal 5’s first immersive video gaming lounge The Australian Airports Association Retail & Commercial Forum will include a blockbuster programme of seven extra-curricular activities Today’s images come courtesy of Düsseldorf Airport which is currently sporting an orange theme and playful signage renaming it ‘Luchthaven Düsseldorf’ Copyright © The Moodie Davitt Report | Website by Yellowball We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website Please click on one of the buttons below to accept We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in 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with TotalEnergies It has also given some more time to Harbour Energy while scrapping three ageing rigs in the US The extension will run for another 600 days The total contract value for the work is more than $75 million and will begin in the third quarter of this year Total’s contract for the Stavanger began in May 2024 The initial contract was for 330 days and valued at $48mn Valaris said it had also extended the Valaris 92’s stay with Harbour for a short period The contract carries a $95,000 per day rate Once the Valaris 92 has finished work for Harbour Esgian reported, in May 2024, a contract suspension notice for the Valaris 92 This brought forward the end date for work from February 2026 to February 2025 The rig was carrying out P&A work for Harbour under what had been a two-year contract This extended the Valaris 92’s work for the company where it had been under contract – including with Chrysaor – since early 2017 The rig company said it had taken the decision to retire three semisubmersibles: the Valaris DPS-5 The first has been idle since the second half of last year while the other two have been stacked for several years Valaris CEO and president Anton Dibowitz said the company was focused on “prudently managing our fleet” It will “retire or divest rigs when the expected future economic benefit for an asset does not justify its costs.” The thee semisubmersibles have “limited attractive benefit our cash flow and further focus our fleet on high-specification assets” Valaris is due to hold its fourth quarter earnings call on February 20 the company said it expected the market in the North Sea still had room for growth Valaris’ contracted backlog is dominated by drillships and jackups for semisubs it has no earnings expected beyond this year both in Australia with contracts ending in June and September Toni Bou took his fourth consecutive victory and the first ever at the new X-Trial’s World Championship venue Stavanger Bou tore into his opposition in the opening three Sections of the Final and had his latest win secured with three rides to spare Bou scored just one mark in the opening three sections of a Final that turned quickly into a battle for the podium between Gabriel Marcelli where he dropped only three marks compared to four for Matteo Grattarola and two fiascos for Benoit Bincaz But X-Trial debutant Canales failed all six Sections in a challenging Grand Final and had to be content with fourth But there was nothing to choose between Marcelli and Busto for second A failure for Busto in Section Two where Marcelli needed just two marks left him with ground to recover and as the only rider clean in Section Five while a dab for Jaime Busto was a costly end to his night Matteo Grattarola put in his best finish in his three appearances this season so far with fifth but will have been frustrated to let slip his place in the Final after totalling just one mark more than Gabriel Marcelli in Q1 and finishing just seven tenths of a second short of Alex Canales in Q2 Meanwhile with his worst result of the season so far Benoit Bincaz drops from only three points back to fourteen in arrears of Marcelli and the medal rankings Local riders Sondre Haga and debutant Mats Nilsen completed the eight-rider field “I am very happy to have added this event to my roll of honour and to be Stavanger’s first winner,” Bou said “Truthfully I started the Final in very good form and was able to really cement an early lead The team has done a great job again so I must congratulate them.” Second placed Gabriel Marcelli was happy to be back at the pointy end of the podium saying “I am happy with this second place which is my best result of the season so far Really I wasn’t quite at ease tonight but the second place is good news for the Championship.” “I am relatively satisfied because initially I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the Final I gave it everything and I only missed out on second place in the run-off Round Six of the 2025 World Championship comes from Wiener Neustadt in Austria on 15th March These larger items won’t fit in the red bin, so you’ll need to take them to one of IVAR’s recycling stations When in doubt about whether something is hazardous waste it’s safest to treat it as such and dispose of it accordingly keep hazardous waste in its original packaging so the recycling station knows what they’re handling Make sure lids and caps are tightly sealed tape over the terminals on button cell batteries and 9V batteries before putting them in a secure container Every household in Stavanger has a red bin for hazardous waste You can schedule collection for free for your red bin at hentavfall.no If your household doesn’t have a red bin, send us an email Electronic waste like batteries and light bulbs can also be returned to stores that sell these items If you only have hazardous waste, you can take it to any IVAR recycling station for free You can also bring larger items or bigger quantities of hazardous waste to these stations Go to the overview of how to sort and deliver different types of waste in Stavanger. The Stavanger region is home to some of Norway’s most dynamic and fast-growing business clusters These clusters represent key sectors such as energy transition – The business clusters are extremely important for the transformation of the Stavanger region The clusters give their member companies momentum to develop and access new markets both nationally and internationally Stavanger Municipality works closely with the clusters in the region by acting as a sparring partner and providing financial support for key projects We do this to help develop a broader economic foundation and contribute to the region's transition Head of Economic Development and International Affairs at the City of Stavanger These clusters bring together established companies enhancing collaboration and providing access to valuable expertise and resources.  Energy Transition Norway is at the forefront of the global shift toward renewable energy This cluster’s mission is to spearhead the transition to low-emission energy solutions by developing innovative renewable technologies and enhancing existing energy systems this cluster is leading the charge toward a greener future.  For investors seeking opportunities in the energy sector Energy Transition Norway offers a platform to collaborate on cutting-edge solutions in wind Visit the Energy Transition Norway website.  Norwegian Offshore Wind is positioning itself as a global leader in floating offshore wind farm solutions this cluster combines world-class expertise in offshore engineering and technology making it a hub for innovation in wind energy.  Investing in Norwegian Offshore Wind offers access to a growing global market with Norway’s advanced offshore capabilities providing a unique competitive edge.  Visit the Norwegian Offshore Wind website.  Stiim Aqua Cluster is an innovation ecosystem dedicated to revolutionizing the global aquaculture industry By facilitating technology transfer from sectors like oil Stiim Aqua creates new pathways for growth in aquaculture This cluster is a prime example of how Norway leverages cross-industry expertise to accelerate technological advancements in seafood production.  Stiim Aqua Cluster offers a gateway to one of the fastest-growing global markets: sustainable aquaculture solutions.  Visit the Stiim Aqua Cluster website.  Nordic Edge is a driving force behind the development of smarter By fostering partnerships between businesses Nordic Edge accelerates the creation of innovative smart city solutions that are both scalable and market-ready.  Investors focused on urban technology and sustainable solutions will find Nordic Edge to be a valuable partner in shaping the cities of tomorrow.  Visit the Nordic Edge Smart City Innovation Cluster website.  Nordic Edge has also created the Nordic Edge Agritech Cluster and tech specialists to redefine sustainable agriculture.  Visit the Nordic Edge Agritech Cluster website  Vital Infrastruktur Arena (VIA) leads innovation in safe From roads and bridges to tunnels and railways VIA’s mission is to develop infrastructure solutions that increase safety This is crucial for both cities and transport industries as urbanization and environmental demands continue to grow.  Investing in VIA means being part of transformative projects that enhance mobility and safety across regions and countries.  Visit the Vital Infrastruktur Arena website.  marking the beginning of the story of Stavanger as a city and bishopric Stavanger's 900th anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2025 The 900th anniversary celebration consists of several anniversary projects and initiatives that will celebrate our history The anniversary exhibition "Mitt Stavanger" recounts Stavanger's 900-year history The exhibition takes you on a journey through time featuring people and objects that tell the story of what it was like to live in Stavanger throughout the ages The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day On September 19th, the season opener at DNB Arena will be an anniversary match filled with celebration and excitement! The arena will be dressed up for Oiler’s  birthday party, and we invite residents from all over the region to join in the fun with Stavanger Oilers Through the walking theatre "Blikk," the streets and buildings becomes a stage through which audiences can experience the history of Stavanger's east side The audience is taken back in time to rediscover the eastern part of the city and hear stories about how people lived there in the past The performance takes place on October 10th Of Stavanger's nearly 900-year history, Viking Football Club has been a part of 125 of them. This will be celebrated with a grand anniversary concert. Join us for a unique experience as we journey through Viking's history – with music The anniversary concerts will take place on October 25th and 26th The Glød Light Festival illuminates the dark month of January with magnificent light installations throughout the city See the light installations from January 18th to February 2nd the streets and city spaces will be filled with music and storytelling. The main attraction of the City Festival is the performance "The Story of Our City," which showcases five central locations in Stavanger: Bjergsted Each location will play a leading role in telling the story of the city in its own unique way Vågen will be buzzing with people and music the Engøyholmen Coastal Culture Center recreates the National Regatta of 1868.Saga 2025 concludes two years of writing workshops for children by burying a time capsule containing the children's texts in the town square Arneageren This will be opened at Stavanger’s jubilee one hundred years from now – in 2125 Stavanger Diocese invites choirs and culture schools from all over Rogaland to the city center on Saturday There will be a Music Festival all day Saturday there will be an anniversary church service in the Stavanger Cathedral The emigrant ship "Restauration" repeats the voyage from 1825 and sets sail from Vågen in Stavanger This was the first organized Norwegian emigration A replica of the ship from 1825 has been built here in Rogaland Primonent guests will greet the ship as it sets to sail and music will accompany "Restauration" on the first part of the journey During the food festival Gladmat and the world's best long table! Pedersgata represents a concentration of the city’s history offering food experiences from all over the world and it is the connection to Stavanger East and many cultural and food experiences In collaboration with The Chamber Music Festival John Erik Kaada will present the work "Rational Music for An Irrational World." Performed by himself and with the brilliant pianist Christian Ihle Hadland The world premiere of Kaada's work will take place in Stavanger Cathedral on August 10th Øyhopp 2025 is a summer festival that will take place on islands close to the city center The nine-day festival offers much more than music: it will be a celebration of art and diversity on all the beautiful city islands without a mainland connection Join the summer festival from August 2nd to 10th On September 6th, Stavanger 2025 and Stavanger Trekking Association invite you to a grand event on Fjøløy Here you can experience powerful natural forces and beautiful landscapes residents gather for hiking and cultural experiences Ullandhaug becomes a meeting place for knowledge and experiences The festival brings together innovative forces and is a meeting place for students from all over Rogaland on September 25th and 26th Stavanger Art Museum's exhibition with the Iraqi American artist Michael Rakowitz addresses the role of historical monuments The exhibition will feature the artist's recreations of lost monuments with packaging materials from the Middle East The anniversary year concludes with "Into the Future" taking us into the future after the anniversary year Ullandhaugtårnet plays a central role 27.1.2025 10:31:44 CET | The Avinor Group | Press release an electric aircraft will fly between Stavanger and Bergen the necessary infrastructure must be in place For the first time in Norwegian aviation history Avinor is now announcing a tender competition to deliver fast chargers for electric aircraft Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway entered a collaboration to establish Norway as an international test arena for zero- and low-emission aviation Avinor's role in this work is to facilitate the infrastructure at airports and in the airspace there are no chargers for aircraft at Avinor's airports The use of batteries as an energy carrier in aircraft is still a new technology but there are many electric aircraft under development several rechargeable aircraft will be certified increasing the need for charging infrastructure for aircraft," says Anders Kirsebom The test flights will be cargo flights without passengers and flown with the ALIA aircraft from the American aircraft manufacturer BETA and flown by Bristow Norway The flights will commence at Stavanger Airport before flights between Sola and Bergen Airport a charger will be purchased for installation a mobile charging solution with a battery bank will be rented to charge electric aircraft at the airport during test operations in the fall and winter of 2025/2026 Avinor expects to award the contracts during the first quarter of 2025 for delivery no later than June 1 in Stavanger and no later than August 15 in Bergen there are few available fast chargers for aircraft on the market Avinor will procure a charger with a CCS plug which means that regular car chargers can technically and theoretically be used to charge aircraft it will require physical adaptations to car chargers to be able to charge aircraft which have a completely different design than both passenger cars and heavy vehicles there are also strict requirements for distances between a moving aircraft and a charger Avinor will require a continuous power output of at least 300 kW delivered to one aircraft there is only one manufacturer that can offer a charger adapted to aircraft that meets this requirement "Avinor wants to involve the Norwegian supplier industry and get more charging players on board through the test arena project The electrification of the car fleet in Norway has contributed to the design of many innovative solutions for charging various vehicles by Norwegian players Avinor hopes to see the same innovative capability in this procurement and that we receive many offers even though no one has a finished solution today," says Kirsebom Subscribe to all the latest releases from The Avinor Group by registering your e-mail address below and Sandnessjøen were transferred to Avinor’s Remote Tower Centre in Bodø 4.2 million travelers used Avinor's airports This is an increase of seven percent compared to March 2024 3.6 million travelers used Avinor's airports This is an increase of 2 percent compared to February 2024 There is a slight increase in the number of domestic travelers "International traffic drives passenger growth Avinor's revenues will exceed NOK 12 billion for the first time The measures decided in the 2025 state budget and the Ministry of Transport's framework decision on take-off and passenger fees for the years 2025-2029 will provide strengthened financial earnings and sufficient flexibility for Avinor in the coming years" 3.5 million passengers used Avinor's airports This is an increase of nine percent compared to January 2024 The largest increase is among international travelers with the number of travelers rising by 13 percent The number of domestic travelers is six percent higher than in January last year In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases documents and other relevant information about us Emil Bjorklund is the new Resident Conductor at Stavanger Band Stavanger Band has announced the appointment of Emil Björklund as its new Resident Conductor Emil will be relocating from his home in Stockholm in Sweden to lead weekly rehearsals concert and artistic projects and engagements as well as take responsibility for preparations for the band's professional conductor ahead of their Siddis and Norwegian National Championship appearances The freelance conductor will also continue to teach at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm although he will no lead Solna Brass He led Solna to the Swedish National title in 2016 He will also continue his role as a music librarian in the Army Music Corps An outstanding euphonium player Emil gained his degree on the instrument from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and has enjoyed performing with several leading orchestras Stavanger Band Chairperson Anders Rydberg told 4BR: "Emil was selected after a positive process involving several highly qualified candidates We now look forward to working with him to further develop Stavanger Band as an ensemble and organisation that attracts the best players and operates at the highest level I'm really excited to take on this role. I feel honoured to be given this opportunity to work with such a progressive banding with a wonderful artistic outlook Emil BjorklundDenis Wick In response Emil added: "I'm really excited to take on this role I feel honoured to be given this opportunity to work with such a progressive banding with a wonderful artistic outlook." TAGS: Stavanger The Ocean Decade programme is supposed to be the driving force behind new and innovative solutions in the ocean space Urchinomics’ solution for farming sea urchins on land is one of a kind the company has developed the technology where they collect sea urchins from Troms and make them ready for the market within 6-12 weeks they are sold as delicacies all year round sea urchins were viewed as a big problem for the ocean floor along the Norwegian coast The shellfish had grazed down several thousand square kilometres of kelp forests and created a desertlike landscape underneath the surface of the ocean This creates a large environmental issue because the kelp forests help bind CO2 and store carbon Removing the sea urchins from the ocean floor will help the kelp forests grow back Stavanger municipality has contributed by providing three million kroner to the Rogaland Aquaculture Park through the municipality’s Growth Fund As the country’s fourth largest municipality within aquaculture Stavanger municipality invests a lot into aquaculture Many people are employed in the aquaculture industry and it constantly creates innovation within new production technology Urchinomics has active businesses in Japan The sea urchins from Stavanger have really made the world open its eyes – We are extremely humbled to receive this award that recognises that our technology and methods are a part of a bigger solution to protect the biodiversity of the ocean at the same time as it promotes economic development Our farming technology converts a destructive species in the ocean into a wonderful seafood product of premium quality in a few weeks the CEO and founder of Urchinomics in a press release from the company Go to the city's main page - stavanger.kommune.no/en Wout van Aert takes third place in Stavanger sprint behind second-placed Jordi Meeus A late surge by Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) put him in third The overall title went to Axel Laurance (Alpecin-Deceuninck) as he rode safely in the lead pack in sixth position and held his 12-second advantage over Bart Lemmen (Visma-Lease a Bike) Adne Holter (Uno-X Mobility) was third overall The pace was high on the final day of racing Stage 4 featuring six laps of a 19km circuit around Stavanger for a rolling 124km.  The Uno-X Mobility train cranked up the speed at the front of the peloton in the final kilometre with several twists and turns The Norwegian team delivered Kristoff to the line for his third consecutive victory in Stavanger It was the 11th stage victory for Kristoff in his career I am pleased to take victory again this year” Kristoff said Sunday a group of six riders took off and opened a quick 30-second gap on the fourth lap - Hannes Wilksch (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) Marcel Camprubí (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) Kim Heiduk (Ineos Grenadiers) and Jakub Otruba (ATT Investments) Jelle Johannink (TDT-Unibet Cycling) bridged to the front group Van Aert came to the front of the peloton and pushed the pace along with teammate Koen Bouwman.  The maximum lead for the seven only stretched to a little more than one minute and their adventure faded after the fourth pass of the Grisabakken with Carl Fredrik Hagen (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) leading Huub Artz (Inermarché-Wanty) Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) and Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) Vacek attacked over the climb with 7km to go with all the GC contenders matching the acceleration to remain at the front of the race The twisting roads into downtown Stavanger limited more attacks and Uno-X Mobility then lined up to move Kristoff into position for the sprint finish Results powered by FirstCycling a sports marketing and public relations agency which managed projects for Tour de Georgia a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years - from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams She has climbed l'Alpe d'Huez three times (not fast) Her favorite road and gravel rides are around horse farms in north Georgia (USA) and around lavender fields in Provence (France)