In March 2000, I made my way from Cardiff to Sweden to meet up with Mandy for a weekend adventure. After a smooth flight, I touched down at Arlanda Airport, where Mandy was waiting for me. We hadn’t seen each other in a few weeks, so I felt a rush of excitement as I spotted her through the crowd. We exchanged warm hugs and a few laughs about my journey, then headed off to catch the train that would take us to Gävle, a town we’d both been curious to explore.
The train from Arlanda was a comfortable escape from the biting cold outside. Through the window, the Swedish landscape rolled by – snow-covered fields, dark forests, and quaint houses that looked like they’d been plucked straight out of a winter postcard. The sky was a soft, pale gray, and everything had a stillness about it, the kind you only really feel in winter. Mandy and I spent most of the ride chatting and catching up, the scenery flowing past like a gentle backdrop to our reunion.
After a couple of hours, we arrived in Gävle, greeted by the crisp winter air and the charm of a small Swedish town. We were excited to explore, and the whole journey had an atmosphere of adventure and anticipation. Meeting up at Arlanda, catching the train, and watching the snow-covered landscapes set the tone for what would be a beautiful weekend getaway in Sweden.
Mandy and I found ourselves in Gävle, Sweden, during a lively time of year when the Gävle Festival was in full swing. The town was buzzing with energy, and it felt like everyone had come out to enjoy the sunshine, music, and celebration. We’d timed our visit well without realizing it, and the festival atmosphere was infectious, drawing us into the heart of it all.
The streets were lined with colorful stalls, each one more enticing than the last. Vendors sold everything from Swedish handicrafts to delicious street food. The smell of grilling sausages, freshly baked pastries, and spices filled the air, making our mouths water as we wandered from one stall to the next. Mandy was especially taken with the handmade jewelry and trinkets, while I was on the lookout for local treats.
Everywhere we looked, there were beer tents scattered throughout the festival grounds. We couldn’t resist stopping in one to sample a few local brews, and we found ourselves surrounded by friendly locals who were more than happy to chat and share a drink. The beer was cold and refreshing, perfect for the warm summer day, and as we raised our glasses to toast, we felt like honorary Swedes, swept up in the festive spirit.
Throughout the day, live music poured from various stages, with bands playing traditional Swedish tunes as well as more modern hits.
The Gavle festival was taking place and there were lots of stalls and beer tents dotted around the place.
It was here that we had the pleasure of seeing the iconic 1960s pop group, The Swinging Blue Jeans, perform. The excitement was infectious as the crowd gathered, chatting animatedly while the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
When the band took the stage, a wave of nostalgia swept over us. The familiar tunes of “Hippy Hippy Shake” filled the air, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the moment. We found ourselves swaying along with the music, the infectious rhythm prompting everyone to join in. Mandy grabbed my hand, and we danced along with the crowd, laughing and singing. The warmth of the evening and the joy of the music created an unforgettable atmosphere.
