Project and location:
This is the tenth time that we host this project and it has been one of the highlights each year. If you want to see the most famous musicians in Iceland or the once that are becoming famous than this is the good c amp for you.
The Westman Islands consist in a group of fifteen islands which are situated at a short distance off the south coast of Iceland. They are so named because the Nordic settlers in the country called the Irish after which the islands are named after "westmen" (=the men from the west). All the islands have been created in submarine volcanic eruptions during comparatively recent geological time. The colourful town, the beautiful bird-cliffs, the new lava and volcano and the landscape in general give the islands a scenic interest as varied in character as any in the country. Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island in the group and is Iceland´s longest off shore island with an area of 13,4 sq. km. Fishing and fish processing and subsidiary trades are the main source of income. Heimaey is sheltered to the north by low mountains and the imposing bird-life Heimaklettur, which protects the narrow cove at the end of which the harbour lies.
The festival: On the first weekend of August, Icelanders celebrate the 1874 grant of Icelandic sovereignty with a huge festival in the town on Heimaey. The population moves into a tent city in the Herjolfsdalur, a short distance west of town, for an extended weekend of bonfires, dance, and song. The most famious bands in Iceland are usually entertaining the guests.
This festival is the most popular one in Iceland.
The last two days of the workcamp the volunteers will stay in Reykjavik for relaxing.
Work: The volunteers will help to keep the festival area clean, the work will last for 4 to 5 hours a day but the rest of the time the volunteers can enjoy this amazing festival which is the number one in Iceland when it comes to culture and music.
Leisure time: Free access to the local swimming pool. Free access to all what is happening in the Festival
Accommodation & Food:
In the community and sport center of Heimaey offering basic facilities. Participants are asked to bring their own warm sleeping bags and mats.
The food will be provided for the duration of the workcamp and everyone is expected to do their fair part of the cooking/cleaning. It would be nice to share new and different dishes, so please remember to bring along recipes from your own countries.
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to the camp for 60 EURO which includes the amazing Golden circle excursion and the ferry to the island.
Additional Information: There is an extra participation fee of 200,- Euros for this camp