Record crowds take part in hands-on building festival

A record 1,400 participants are hammering, drilling, and assembling at this year’s Byggefestivalen in Sønderborg, according to Danish broadcaster DR.

The festival, now in its third year, draws people eager to build, learn, and socialise, with organisers reporting unprecedented ticket sales.

Tore Muurholm Dahl, chair of Byggefestivalen, said the goal is for visitors to leave with a basic understanding of tool use. “If people can come here and on the first day gain a fundamental grasp of how to use tools, we’ve achieved our aim,” he told DR.

Projects range from small household items like stools and tables to larger undertakings. Anne Ottosen, attending for the third consecutive year, is rebuilding a camper van from scratch with her family. She praised the festival’s inclusive approach, noting that guidance is available for all skill levels.

“My children love it. They’ve been so excited they’ve woken up early every day this past week,” she said.

Ottosen added that the event offers more than just practical skills. “You make good friends and gain the freedom to be creative, to make exactly what you want, without rules about how things should look,” she said.

Dahl said the festival’s appeal lies in its tangible results. “You can see what you’ve made. At the end of the day, if you’re holding a finished bar stool, that’s a success.”

He also hopes participants recognise craftsmanship as a way to socialise differently. “I think many discover it’s great to be together in a way that isn’t just about consuming an experience or drinking a lot of beer,” he said.

All materials and tools are provided for those arriving with an idea or project.