Fanø festival expands talk tents as concert chatter frustrates guests

Fanø Vesterland, a two-day festival of music, food and socialising, is expanding its designated talk areas after organisers said conversations are drowning out performances. DR reported the move as the festival takes place this weekend.

Last year, the festival introduced a talk tent where guests could chat during concerts. The initiative proved so popular that organisers have increased the number to three this year.

“It is a huge problem,” said Jesper Møller, the festival’s director and founder. He said many visitors return to the island and have stories to share, but that the conversations affect some concerts.

The talk tents, known as greenhouses, are areas where festivalgoers can talk freely without music playing. The festival is also encouraging visitors to use them instead of talking in front of the stages.

Fanø Vesterland has previously used campaigns and appeals from presenters to reduce conversations in front of the stages. Møller said the problem continues, particularly as alcohol takes effect.

For some guests, the noise has become a significant distraction. “It is just one big hum when you are standing listening to music. We come for the music, so it takes away from the experience,” festivalgoer Brian Thielemann said.

Inge Dohm, who has attended the festival for several years, said she had repeatedly found conversations in front of the stages disruptive and had to ask other concertgoers to be quiet. She welcomed the additional talk tents.

Fanø Vesterland runs from Friday, September 4, through Saturday, September 5.