Lister

By Jesper H. Pedersen
Translated by Ida Mari Dreijer

Magnus can sense the heat and pressure from the surrounding 25,000 people in the audience. Film and animation roll continuously over the screen behind shimmering cones of light and flashes. All this he can see.

In addition, Magnus sees the audience ”putting their head in a peculiar way,” as he says, when they enjoy the music. One can sense the bass directly in the stomach. But apart from this sound, everything is quiet. Magnus is amongst the best company in the world, he feels.

”Concerts are not just music. They are complete experiences; a combination of atmosphere, light and of course music,” explains 20-year-old Magnus, who is deaf. It is his first Roskilde Festival.

Fuel for the stages

At the concerts, Magnus has with a good feeling, as he delivers the fuel for the total experiences himself. He helps out cooking for the stage staff as a volunteer. And the social time with the colleagues is also something he enjoys about the festival.

”I chose to participate in the festival because I’ve heard stories about the wonderful and social experiences and I haven't been disappointed,” he says and adds that he would definitely recommend other deaf people to try it out.

”All deaf people are particularly aware that hearing is only one of our senses, so one can easily go to festivals.”

No sound, 110% experience

Magnus will definitely return next year. He enjoys the good, open and free atmosphere here at Roskilde Festival.

”Everybody takes care of each other. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s a bit hippy-like, in a good way,” Magnus points out.