Granåsen in Trondheim will have a big year in 2025. Not only will the skiing elite compete for who is the best in the world. But then up to 35,000 people from Trondheim and visitors can also see an old British star do what he does best, namely entertain. Robbie Williams will come to Trondheim on 16 August next year, eight years since he last played in the city. Concert organizer Stein Vanebo and Trondheim Stage have worked to get Granåsen back as a concert venue since the area was closed in connection with the upgrades for the World Ski Championships. The last time a big concert was organized in Granåsen was when Metallica took the stage in 2019. – So it’s a big day for both us and the audience in central Norway, he says. Think the artists thrive Next year both Imagine Dragons, Justin Timberlake and Iron Maiden will visit Trondheim. In addition to Williams. Dan Reynolds and the rest of Imagine Dragons will play at the Neon Festival 2025. Photo: MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP Vanebo believes Trondheim has gained a reputation among international artists. – It is a small industry after all. All the concerts we’ve had here have gone really well. They thrive here. They can go to Nordre and get an ice cream without being run over. The last time Robbie Williams was there, he hung out in the city for two or three days with his wife and dog, says Vanebo. There haven’t been that many concerts in Granåsen so far. The first was Bruce Springsteen in 2016. Then it was Williams in 2017 and in 2019 it was Metallica. – I think most people in Trondheim thought that the history of concerts in Granåsen was over and over. So that is why we are a little proud and happy that Granåsen will now be open for concerts again, says Vanebo. Photo: Trondheim Stage Size counts Vanebo has already started planning the logistics. Buses will be set up to run between Trondheim city center and Granåsen to transport people in and out of the area. – At Metallica, we moved probably 27,000 from Granåsen down to the city in an hour and 50 minutes. Some people think it was a long time, but I think it’s actually quite well delivered. This is what it looked like when the doors opened in Granåsen the last time Robbie Williams played in Trondheim. Photo: Hilde Grande / news Vanebo is working to bring even more artists to Central Norway. – The Stones, Coldplay and some of the big names now want a capacity of 60,000 in the audience. Therefore, they have not visited Norway in the last rounds, they have been to Stockholm and Copenhagen. But Trondheim can help compete for many other big international stars. – It’s all about economics. We are now in the Champions League, with at least 40,000 spectators. We get to enjoy it, says Vanebo. PS. Robbie Williams will also visit Stavanger on his tour. The concert there is on August 13. Published 11.11.2024, at 10.59
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