The festival features over 90 bands and artists. But for Chiquita Persson, 63, from Sölvesborg, the experience begins long before the first bands take the stage. In early spring, she and some friends meet for a so-called "pre-listening session."
"In March or April, when most of the tapes are released, we listen through them together. It becomes a comprehensive process that lasts throughout the year," says Chiquita Persson, who this year is most looking forward to acts like Blue Benders and Michael Monroe.
At the same time, she emphasizes that the festival is about more than just the music on the stages. The best thing about Sweden Rock is the atmosphere at the festival, she says.
"It's very rare to see any fighting or arguments. We usually joke and say that everyone cheers for the same team, so that we help each other."
"Surplus of men"
My Lind, 55, also from Sölvesborg, has attended Sweden Rock every year since it began in 1992, when the festival took place in Olofström.
Ahead of this year's edition, she is looking forward to bands like The Offspring, Sarcasm and DAD, and also highlights the big draws Volbeat and Iron Maiden.
Like Chiquita Persson, she is there for the unique atmosphere. She emphasizes that you don't have to be a hardcore rocker to appreciate Sweden Rock.
"I listen to a lot of hard rock at home, but I'm not a die-hard rocker. It's a festival that's for anyone, from young to old."
The audience at Sweden Rock traditionally consists mostly of men, but that's not something that the two festival veterans experience as a problem.
"It's clear that there is a surplus of men, but that's not something you think about. It's not that you feel alone as a girl," says Chiquita Persson.
Nice with rain
As for the weather, the forecast shows that showers are expected on several festival days in Norje. However, that won't put an end to the good mood.
"You have clothes for all weathers with you. It's almost nice because then the dust settles," says Chiquita Persson.
"I don't think anyone is afraid of a few showers. Sometimes the worst weather is when it's sunny for several days. People get burned," says My Lind.
During this year's festival, which runs from June 3 to 6, bands playing include Iron Maiden, Volbeat, Bring Me the Horizon, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Magnus Uggla and Helloween.
Sweden Rock is one of Sweden's largest dedicated music festivals. It attracts around 40,000 unique visitors annually and has five stages where over 90 artists perform during the four-day festival.
The festival started in 1992 in Olofström. It moved to Norje, outside Sölvesborg, in 1998, and the following year it was named Sweden Rock Festival.
The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Sweden Rock Festival
