Bergen, Nygårdsparken | – I think most people know it by heart today

– I had tears in my eyes when I arrived at Nygårdsparken, says Jan Helge Johannessen.

He is one of those who made the trip to Nygårdsparken on Sunday night to take part in the Hjertefred event. In the park, all the street lights were replaced with lanterns and lighted candles.

When Heidi Synnøve Gaustad Hølleland lost her son in 2008, she wanted to create a place where you could remember those you miss and create more openness around grief and death.

On Sunday evening, she invited herself and the volunteers in the Hjertefred group to a new gathering in Nygårdsparken, warmed by fire barrels, mulled wine and music.

A place to gather

Jan Helge Johannessen’s son, Leffe Johannessen, was going to play in the park on Sunday afternoon with several artists. This is the first time he is taking part in the event, and it is clear that he is moved by all the ideas.

– Today I light a candle for my father and my mother, says Jan Helge.

On the stairs in front of it, it is possible to light a candle for those you have lost. The staircase quickly fills with lit candles.

– It is good to be able to come here and feel sadness, says Tone Hærø.

She was present with her husband Jørgen Garmann, and daughter Elise Hærø Garmann (10), to honor her father.

Liv Kristoffersen and her granddaughter Margrethe Kristoffersen are at the event for the second time.

– It’s good to have a place to gather, they say.

Light scenes in everyday life

– This event has become a tradition in Bergen. This is so important. Every year we can say “in these times” that we need something like this, but it is so important to show charity and show that we care, says artist Stig van Eijk.

He says it is very special to hold the event here.

– Just because we are in Nygårdsparken, which has its own history with drug addicts, something that many also die from. This collects a lot of sad words and makes something good out of it, he says.

Stig van Eijk can be found in front of the extra stage in the park. Later he goes on stage to perform, but first he lights a candle on the stairs.

– I learned that a good colleague of mine lost his life today. There have been many deaths this year, which means that you have been set back a bit.

– I think most people know it by heart today. There is so much tragedy that you see in the news too, that this can be a glimpse of light in your daily life.

Absolutely magical

Yvonne Amundsen started as a volunteer at Hjertefred after being a partner for several years.

– When I lost my father, I found out that this was a place to go. You are so busy in your daily life, that is why it is so nice to come here, says Amundsen.

She talks about the good feeling you get from the music, the atmosphere and the people.

– This is an evening where you can relax and remember things you don’t usually think about, she says.

– I fell completely in love with the event the first time I was here. This is absolutely magical.