First Artist Revealed for New Festival | Fredriksstad Blad

New Fredrikstad Festival Hysj Announces Arif as First Headliner

Fredrikstad, Norway – The newly established Hysj Festival has announced Arif as its first confirmed artist, signaling the launch of what organizers hope will become a significant cultural event for the city. The festival, slated to seize place on Stortorvet square this summer, is the brainchild of Stian Berntsen, 25, who serves as its managing director, alongside Hannah and Henrik.

Berntsen confirmed the artist lineup in a statement on March 24, 2026, stating that Arif is “the first out of a series of artists” to be announced. The festival aims to combine musical performances with food stalls and concerts, transforming the central square into a vibrant hub for entertainment.

The initiative has already garnered support from within the community. Stine Berntsen, Stian’s sister, highlighted the rapid progress of the festival’s development in a LinkedIn post, praising her brother and his collaborators for successfully transitioning from an initial idea to a fully-fledged event within a short timeframe. She emphasized the potential positive impact on local businesses and the creation of a new cultural meeting place in Fredrikstad.

Hysj Festival is currently operating as a limited company, with Stian Berntsen at the helm. Details regarding ticket sales, the full artist lineup, and the festival’s schedule are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The festival’s Facebook page, which launched recently, already has over 1,000 likes and is generating significant discussion.

The event is being positioned as a key addition to Fredrikstad’s summer events calendar, aiming to attract both local residents and visitors to the city center.