Nyhed

Tor Even K. Mortensen from Norway is the proud owner of a very special Roskilde Festival certificate. The print on the certificate says, "for having successfully endured, in complete sober condition throughout, Roskilde Festival".

It was a personal experiment where Tor Even wanted to prove to himself that he could easily visit a festival and have a good time without being intoxicated.

A success

Tor Even thinks that the experiment has been a great success. He has been much more able to enjoy the concerts, the camp atmosphere and being with his friends.

"I met many nice people with whom I have shared lots of great music experiences – and I felt that we were 'on the same level'. I never felt lonely in my sobriety."

Drank lots of water

The hot sun also made an effort to ensure that Tor Even should not think of alcohol.

"It was a very hot festival. I'm from Finnmark in the northern part of Norway, so I cannot stand heat in such great amounts. I drank lots of water – the festival was great at making sure that drinking water was available everywhere as the temperature rose. I have also come to appreciate the great coffee," he says.

Background in misuse

The 'being-sober-challenge' has a background in a darker story about how consumption ended up in a long-standing misuse of alcohol and drugs. Tor Even quitted that misuse 18 months ago – and since then he has not been anywhere near any intoxicants.

Still, he wants to be able to have fun – and to go to music festivals.

Unlike other festivals Tor Even has gone to, this time he will remember everything. And if not, the festival certificate will be a memory of the visit and the achievement.

Tor Even does not believe that he has yet been at his final Roskilde Festival.