Her Majesty, the High Patron of Bodø2024, has accepted the invitation from Bodø2024, Bodø Municipality and Nordland County Council to officially open Bodø2024 with a presence in Bodø on the opening day. "For Bodø2024, it is a great recognition and inspiration that Her Majesty the Queen will attend the opening when the largest cultural project in Northern Norway ever takes place", says Wallann Larsen.

Planning for the opening is in full swing and will take place in three parts. The first is the official opening inside Stormen Concert Hall with the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra and a number of young North Norwegian musicians on stage. Then comes the actual opening show, which will take place outdoors in the harbor area outside Stormen library. There will be a floating stage, and the event will be free for the public. The capacity will be 15,000 to 20,000 spectators. And then finally, the plan is to have a wealth of cultural activities all over the city in stages, museums, cafés and public spaces.

The Queen is very interested in art and culture. She has worked with visual art for many years, and has collaborated with Magne Furuholmen on several exhibitions. She is also an outdoor enthusiast. This combination fits the concept of Bodø2024 perfectly. "One of our goals is to use nature actively. Among other things, we will have concerts and other events in tourist association cabins all over the county. We are very much looking forward to welcoming H.M. The Queen and to present the grand opening to her and the rest of the audience", says Wallann Larsen