Magnus Ehrenberg

Almedalsveckan is a democratic meeting place that everyone can join and co-create. The atmosphere is informal and relaxed, creating the feeling that everyone who matters is there. Meetings can lead to unexpected effects. Admission is free. It has become a phenomenon among political festivals and multiple countries have created similar venues throughout the years. Purpose and vision Almedalsveckan is Sweden’s, perhaps even the world's, largest open political venue. Through democracy and openness, the week aims to give everyone who wants to debate social issues the opportunity to participate. Target groups The festival’s target group is people interested in social issues. The visitors are politicians, organisers, professional visitors and ordinary participants. Involvement of political parties The parliamentary parties are the main focus and the eight parliamentary political parties have Almedalen, the central Park in Visby, at their disposal for their day. Programme Anyone can apply to organise an event at the festival as long as they adhere to criteria set by the main organisers of Almedalsveckan. Location and length The festival is located in Visby and takes place in the end of June. It lasts in 4 days and the parliamentary parties share days. Visby is located 60 km and a boat-trip from Stockholm. Number of participants and events The festival’s own estimate of participants is approximately 30.000 unique visitors and 1.200 unique organisers. It is the official events, which are open to everyone, that are presented in the festival programme. Founder and year of establishment It started in 1968 when Olof Palme, minister of education at the time, spoke from the back of a lorry at Kruttornet in Visby. Gradually it became a tradition and since 1991 all the parties in the goverment have attended. Organisational structure Almedalsveckan is a result of cooperation between the main organisers, the host and other co-organisers.