The Danish music festival Fanø Vesterland has expanded its designated “talk tents” to three this year, in an effort to stop audience chatter during concerts.
The two-day festival on the island of Fanø runs from Friday, September 4, through Saturday, September 5. DR reported on September 4 that organizers have set aside more space where guests can talk freely, away from the stages.
Director and founder Jesper Møller told DR that talking during the music is a huge problem. He said many guests return to the island for the festival and have plenty of stories to share. According to Møller, that chatter affects some of the concerts.
The festival introduced a single talk tent, a “snakke-telt,” last year. As reported by DR, the initiative became so popular that organizers have now expanded it to three tents. The tents are described as greenhouses, or “drivhuse,” where guests can talk as much as they want.
Møller told DR that there should still be room for conversation and for the joy of meeting friends again. He said the festival is trying to communicate that there is a specific place where guests are welcome to sit and talk. The areas without music have been extended for that purpose.
Earlier attempts to curb the noise
Fanø Vesterland has previously run campaigns against talking in front of the stages, according to DR. Hosts on stage have also appealed to the audience directly. DR notes that the talking tends to continue once alcohol is involved.
Some guests told DR that the noise affects their experience. Festival guest Brian Thielemann described a large hum while standing and listening to the music. He said he comes for the music, and that the talking ruins part of the experience.
Inge Dohm, who has attended Fanø Vesterland for several years, told DR that talking in front of the stages is often disruptive. She said she has had to shush other concertgoers several times. For that reason, she called the new talk tents a hit.
Dohm added that there is no doubt the problem has grown worse over the years. She told DR that she finds it fantastic that the festival is trying more measures. The talk tents are part of that approach this year.
Fanø Vesterland is described by DR as a festival built around music, food and talk. The 2026 edition closes on Saturday, September 5, the second and final day of the program.
