Latest news with #WayOutWest
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Would you sell your kidney to see a concert? This fest gives you the option.
How badly do you want to go to a music festival? Would you give up an organ to get a ticket? Sweden's Way Out West festival might have an option for you. The music festival is set to take place Thursday to Satursday in Gothenburg, Sweden, with acts such as Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Iggy Pop, Kneecap, and more. Tickets are already sold out, but if you're willing to donate a kidney, you can snag one. 'This year, tickets to Way Out West sold out earlier than ever,' the festival's website explains. 'With no tickets left, the FOMO kicks in hard. People start saying they'd give up just about anything to get one. One phrase you often hear when tickets are gone? 'I'd give a kidney for a ticket.'' The Kidney Pass allows people over the age of 18 who have a Swedish social security number to sign up for the donation registry. You could then give your consent to allow your organs to be donated upon your death. 'By joining it, you're not just saying you'd give a kidney for a ticket, you're showing you truly support organ donation – by being willing to donate your organs after your death,' the festival states. Signing up for the donation registry doesn't mean you're committed to staying in. The ability exists to change preferences or remove your registration altogether. As a disclaimer, Way Out West notes, 'registration does not guarantee a ticket' because only a limited amount are available. However, if you do, you get to say you literally gave your kidney for a ticket. Related coverage: Legendary classic rock singer reveals what really led to drummer's confusing firing '90s rock star was 'surrounded by yes men' before his death, ex-bandmate says Iconic metal band drummer jokes about replacement, declares 'no one can replace me' Two-time Grammy winner with huge '70s hit dead at 84 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@ Solve the daily Crossword
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
‘I promise I will': Pop singer Chappell Roan vows to perform in Saskatchewan
Chappell Roan performs on the Flamingo stage during the Way Out West music festival in Slottsskogen park in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Adam Ihse/TT News Agency via AP) flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
Metro
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Sold-out festival gets 2,000 fans to 'give up a kidney' in bid for tickets
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Charli XCX, Iggy Pop, Chappell Roan, Pet Shop Boys – it's no surprise Way Out West sold out quickly this year but organisers offered an unusual exchange. They quite literally asked fans to give up their organs to get their hands on tickets to the festival, which takes place this weekend (August 7 to August 9) in Gothenburg. 'This year, tickets to Way Out West sold out earlier than ever,' organisers wrote on their website. 'With no tickets left, the FOMO kicks in hard. 'People start saying they'd give up just about anything to get one. One phrase you often hear when tickets are gone? 'I'd give a kidney for a ticket.'' This joke became reality as fans entered a raffle for a three-day pass – dubbed 'The Kidney Pass' – for signing up to the Swedish National Donation Registry. Way Out West's Head of Marketing, Filip Hiltmann, confirmed to Metro that over 2,000 people signed up in the few days the competition was open. 'The Swedish daily average is around 158,' he added. 'It's very popular! The feedback has been amazing from just about everyone. 'A lot of people have been saying that they've always wanted to become an organ donor but never got around to it for certain reasons. This campaign gave them the urgency to join!' As the website explained, by signing up for the National Organ Donation Registry, operated by Socialstyrelsen, 'you're positive to the idea of your organs being used for donation in the event of your death.' Speaking about this campaign, Filip added: 'During our festival weekend, Way Out West becomes one of Sweden's 20 largest cities when counting attendees. 'This is a unique opportunity to try things that are not possible in a real city. The campaign is proof that a small nudge can lead to big results, and hopefully it can inspire others to do similar initiatives.' Ahead of the festival opening this weekend, 40 winners will be selected at random from the eager donors. They won't have to hand over their kidney just yet, but will get their very own 'Kidney Pass' wristband entitling them to three days at Way Out West. While this is the first of its kind organ donation push, Germany's Wacken Open Air music festival encouraged fans to 'pay with your blood'. The metal festival allowed fans to donate blood at participating locations in exchange for the chance to win tickets to Heaven Shall Burn's 2026 German tour. More Trending Way Out West kicks off on Thursday, August 7 with Queens of the Stone Age, Iggy Pop, Fontaines D.C. and Kneecap on the lineup. Friday sees Charli XCX headline with CMAT, Wet Leg, Little Simz and The Dare also performing. Saturday wraps with Chappell Roan taking the stage after Pet Shop Boys, Lola Young, Confidence Man and PinkPantheress. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Regatta's summer sale is up to 80% off – and it's perfect for festival season MORE: Fan missed entire Oasis gig after 'security guards knocked him unconscious' MORE: Matty Healy warns of 'cultural erasure' as he helps launch brand new music festival
Local Sweden
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Local Sweden
Summer like a Swede: Discover Sweden's cultural highlights by train
Sweden's long summer days allow you to pack in plenty, making it the perfect time to explore your adopted home and dive deeper into Sweden's culture. But what exactly is Swedishness? It's a question the government set out to answer this year, inviting suggestions from the Swedish public for a 'cultural canon ': a list of activities, sights, and concepts that all contribute to what it means to be 'Swedish'. Train company SJ has matched these ideas to the destinations where you can try them out, so we've picked some of the best spots across the country – all accessible by train – to help you plan your summer. Ready to explore Sweden? Click here to see SJ's routes and book your trip Thank you for the music As everyone's favourite foursome asked, without a song or dance, who are we? And as much as we love ABBA, the country has much more to offer when it comes to music. Each summer, the capital Stockholm plays host to one of Europe's most unique concert series. Theme park Gröna Lund , an institution in its own right, sets the stage for Sweden's 'longest festival' with different artists playing between May and September. In 2025, alongside global names such as Alanis Morisette and Manic Street Preachers, you'll find the likes of Miriam Bryant, Veronica Maggio and Victor Leksell who sing primarily in Swedish – this has to be the most fun way to fit in language practice over the summer. From central Stockholm, you can arrive by commuter boat or by tram, and spend the day trying out the rides before finding your spot in the crowd. Gröna Lund, the home to Sweden's 'longest festival' Another festival with a distinctly Swedish flavour is Gothenburg's Way Out West (August 7-9). With Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, and Swedish band Kite headlining, the international line-up covers a range of genres, and the multi-day tickets allow you to leave and re-enter the festival area, allowing you to explore Sweden's second largest city between your favourite acts. The event wears its eco-friendly credentials proudly, with an all-vegetarian food offering and a policy of using secondhand clothing for staff uniforms and upcycled merch. If you're travelling from Stockholm, consider booking the official festival train to get the party started en route! DJ keeping the vibes going at Way Out West. Looking for something at the more traditional end of the spectrum? Swedish folk dance and music is an entry on the cultural canon that you can experience in Hälsingland, central eastern Sweden. It's a custom with a dark legend attached. The story goes that in one village, Hårga, a local dance was interrupted by a mysterious visitor playing mesmerising tunes on the fiddle. Spoiler alert: he was the devil in disguise. Once people started dancing to his tune, they found they couldn't stop, and danced until all that was left were their skeletons.. Visitors will easily understand how Hälsingland sparked storytellers' imaginations: this off-the-beaten-path region boasts more forest than anywhere else in the country, and you'll find fairytale-esque landscapes around the Ljusnan River and its surrounding beaches, and when walking through the rolling hills – including Hårgaberget, site of the mythical devil's dance. Swedish folk dance Today, the legend has inspired an all-day dancing event, the Hälsingehambo, which starts in Hårga itself and moves through local villages. This year, it marks its 60th anniversary. There are other events in the region devoted to folk dance and music, including the two-day Delsbostämman festival in early July which features a range of performances. Get out there! Start planning your route with SJ and see Sweden like never before Add Swedish flavour to your summer Sometimes the simplest delicacies are the finest, and so it is with the humble hot dog or grillkorv . While these can be sampled at street-side stalls and corner shops the length and breadth of the country, why not elevate the experience? To truly experience Swedish culture, you need to grill the sausage yourself over an open fire, and do it while surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Take the train to Abisko to experience some of the most stunning views possible from a train window. There are a wide range of scenic walking routes that feature barbecue spots (do check that you're using one of the designated areas; lighting a fire is only allowed in certain spots). One recommendation: the mountain hut at Lake Abiskojaure, which you can reach by following a moderate trail along the Abiskojåkka River. Another classic food is tunnbröd or Swedish flatbread. It's particularly popular in the central region of Dalarna, where you can work up an appetite with a day of walking along trails where you'll see waterfalls and can stop for a swim in the lakes. Round off the day with a hearty meal highlighting local ingredients, including tunnbröd baked in a wood-fired oven. It can be eaten with savoury fillings like salmon, or something sweeter like berry-filled jams. Tunnbröd and Falafel are popular food options in Sweden These days, Swedish culinary culture also reflects the growing diversity of the population, and is all the better for it. Malmö can probably lay claim to the title of the top spot in the Nordics for falafel , with the highest concentration of restaurants and stalls around Möllevångstorget. Try Jalla Jalla, which featured in classic Scandi crime series The Bridge and is near the police station also recognisable from the show. Like the grillkorv, falafel is best enjoyed with a view – Jalla Jalla is just a short walk from Sweden's oldest public park, Folkets Park. Whatever the final destination, you can begin your culinary journey on the train itself, with SJ's bistro serving up classics like shrimp sandwiches and cinnamon buns. Experience Sweden by train this summer Embrace the outdoor lifestyle The long summer days beg to be spent out in nature, and one entry to the cultural canon is simply, 'a forest walk with a thermos and cheese sandwich'. More than two thirds of Sweden is forested, so you're spoilt for choice with locations. To take on a classic Swedish hiking route, consider a section of the Kinnekulle trail (start from Råbäck station, near Lidköping), or part of island-hopping hike Kuststigen (the Coastal Path) beginning from Hönö in Gothenburg's archipelago. For Swedes, outdoor swimming can be a year-round pastime, best combined with a quick dash to the sauna. For the uninitiated, summer is the time to dip your toe, then your whole body, in this crucial part of Scandi culture. Try out the kallbadshus (literally 'cold bath house') where you dash between open-air pools and saunas. Two of the most historic spots in the country can be found in Varberg, southwestern Sweden, and Ribersborg in Malmö, both just a short walk from the train station. Friluftsliv and kobingo are a unique ways to enjoy a summer in Sweden Our final suggestion for your summer bucket list is perhaps the quirkiest of the list: kobingo (cow bingo). Hosted at farms around the country, it's a rural tradition where fields are divided into a numbered grid, cows are released, and the square where the first cow poops is the winner. Take a look to see if any of the farms in your local area might be hosting it. Sweden's farms are an amazing day out for the family (don't forget to take advantage of SJ's family discounts for your train journey), with farm shops and restaurants, and chances to meet the animals. So there you have it: a selection of perfectly Swedish ways to fill those long summer days – and connect a little more deeply with the country in the process. Book your Swedish summer exploration with SJ today!
Scottish Sun
15-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
I've visited over 100 cities across the world – here are my five European faves including 84p beers and £15 flights
Read more about where to stay and what to do in each city from The Sun's deputy travel editor SEE EU I've visited over 100 cities across the world – here are my five European faves including 84p beers and £15 flights HAVING been travelling the world for the best part of 15 years, it's safe to say I've racked up a fair few city breaks. And while that includes far-flung destinations from Colombia to Korea, these are a few that have taken my heart in Europe. Advertisement 9 Deputy travel editor Kara has been to more than 100 cities around the world 9 Magical Copenhagen is one of the world's happiest cities Credit: Getty 9 Kara loved the Only U hotel in Seville From amazingly friendly locals and cheap bars to beautiful streets and fun theme parks, here are my top five - and how to visit without breaking the bank. Seville One of my most recent ventures to Spain took me to the southern city of Seville and it quickly became my favourite place to go in the whole country. Advertisement It felt much more uniquely Spanish than other, more touristy cities, and was perfect for wandering down side streets lined with historic buildings and tapas bars spilling onto the road. While this might have meant I ordered the wrong thing a few times (I swear I asked for fish only for chickpeas to arrive), it also means you can expect some Spanish prices. For example, rather than a large beer, locals drink cañas, which admittedly are smaller - but that means they're still cold by the time you finish. You can find these for as little as €1 (84p) in some bars. Along with one of the cheapest beers, you'll also want to head to 100 Montaditos for some cheap food. Advertisement A Spanish fast food institution, they sell 100 different varieties of small sandwiches for €1 (84p) a pop every Wednesday and Sunday. And if you know where to look, you can even visit some top attractions for free. I love the the historic royal palace, the Alcázar of Seville, which has limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm-7pm in April to September, and from 4pm-5pm in October to March. Only You Hotel Seville boasts Mediterranean-meets-Arabic interiors Similarly, the cathedral - the largest gothic cathedral in the world - has free tickets every day from 2pm-3pm if you're fast enough. Hotels might be on the pricier side but tour operators have some great deals. Advertisement For example, easyJet holidays has a three-night package deal (with flights and a four-star hotel) for just £160 per personnext month. If you don't mind splashing out a bit, the newish Only U is one of my favourite hotels in Europe, feeling more like a fancy members club with outdoor pool and onsite florist and cafe. Gothenburg As the second city of Sweden, Gothenburg is sometimes overlooked in favour of Stolkhom. But it shouldn't be, and not least because it hosts an amazing music festival every summer that most people haven't heard of - Way Out West. I was lucky enough to see live music acts such as Chvrches and Sia there, and this year's line up is just as good, with Charli XCX and Chappel Roan appearing. Advertisement Day tickets cost around £130, while three-days ones are £230 - much cheaper than Glastonbury's £373. The best part? It isn't a camping festival so I was well-rested and comfy in my Airbnb every night. You can find hotels for around £65 a night, and Ryanair flights are around £15. If music doesn't take your fancy, the small city has its own theme park, Liseberg, which is opening a number of new rides in the next few years (entry starts from £7). 9 Cafes, bars, restaurants and shops in Gothenburg's Haga district Credit: Alamy Advertisement Meanwhile, the rest of the city feels like a fairytale town, especially the oldest neighborhood, Haga. My favourite cosy spot was Le Petit Cafe for a coffee and blueberry scone while people-watching and chatting to the owner. Locals are big fans of 'Afterwork' or AW - AKA cheap beers and food after finishing work on a Friday. For example, Kings Head lets you buy a beer for 59 SEK (£5) that comes with free access to the buffet - it's simple food, but one of the most affordable when visiting between 5pm and 7pm. Want to go full Swedish? Try the fried stömming fish, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce from food truck Strömmingsluckan - even I was converted. Lille If you want all the great parts of Paris without actually going to Paris, then Lille is a great option. Advertisement It has its own Arc de Triomphe, albeit on a much smaller scale, as well as the Palais des Beaux-Arts (nicknamed the Louvre of Lille). Once known as being the "Manchester of France" due to its textile and industrial history, the fifth-largest French city is also home to cheap weekend markets and an amazing food scene. A must-try is the Meert vanilla waffle, said to be loved by former president Charles de Gaulle, which costs less than £3. Lille Braderie Flea Market is the largest market in Europe, with more than 10,000 stalls, so you can find the perfect bargain souvenir. Just time your visit well as it only runs the first weekend of September. 9 The Braderie flea market is the largest in Europe Credit: Alamy Advertisement Lille is also a great place to visit for nervous flyers, as it is one of the few destinations with direct trains from London St Pancras. Taking just 1hr22 on the Eurostar, you can find £39 tickets if you're quick (although some are as little as £31 right now). Be even savvier and go for Eurostar Snap for up to 50 per cent off tickets, as long as you don't mind not knowing the time of day you are visiting until nearer the departure. Make sure to pop to rooftop restaurant NU, which has beautiful views over the city and is right by the train station too. I love staying at the Mama Shelter hotels, and while the rooms start from £95 in Lille (including an extensive breakfast) they also often have 3-for-2 nights. Advertisement If you want something cheaper, there are lots of Ibis budget hotels around the city, some as little as £57 a night. Copenhagen While Copenhagen is the one of the pricier cities to visit in Europe, it's still one of my favourites and I think worth the price. Getting there is cheap as Ryanair has £15 flights from the UK. And a must-visit is the famous Tivoli Gardens, which was said to have inspired Walt Disney. Tickets start from £19 for entry - a fraction of the price of Disneyland, but just as magical on a smaller scale. Advertisement Copenhagen always feels extremely clean, and one of those cities where you constantly think: 'Should I move here?' 9 Copenhagen is often ranked one of the world's most liveable cities Credit: Alamy It is often named one of the happiest and most liveable cities, which is no surprise given how easy and safe it is to get around. My favourite place for brunch is Mad & Kaffe, where three small bowls of anything from protein, fruit or bakery items costs around £9, or try Grodwhich serves just porridge and risotto (hearty and warming when visiting in winter), for breakfast. Alcohol is expensive here, so I recommend heading to one of the city's bodegas if you really want a cheap drink. Advertisement Or try the new Kissavesterbro cocktail bar, where you can find cocktails for just over a fiver. If you don't mind a small room for the night, one of the cheapest stays that isn't a hostel is the CityHub Copenhagen - a Japanese-like pod hotel with rooms from £50 a night. You'll have to share a communal bathroom but it's more stylish that you'd think, with your own robes, rowels and Rituals toiletries. Don't mind splashing out? I love the stylish Hotel SP34 which starts from £155 a night, but has a free wine hour every evening at 5pm so you can make some of that money back. Faro Most people fly into Faro as a stopping point to the Algarve, but it is a great affordable base to explore the nearby areas. Advertisement For example, for a few euros and a 20-minute boat ride, you can visit an island nicknamed the Caribbean of Portugal. Ilha Deserta has golden sandy beaches where you won't see many other tourists - I was the only one there when I visited in May. Make sure to grab some fresh fish from Estamine, the only restaurant on the island as well. 9 Faro in Portugal is a great base for exploring the surrounding area Credit: Alamy 9 No wonder Ilha Deserta is known as the Caribbean of Portugal Credit: Alamy Advertisement There is also Ilha Armona, also just a few minutes from the mainland, with a only few houses and food stalls. Or just 15 minutes from Faro is the pretty fishing town of Olha, where you have to visit Terra i Mar for amazing seafood and massive glasses of local wine for £3. I stayed at 3HB, the first five-star hotel in the area with one of the few infinity rooftop pools in Faro - easyJet Holidays has seven night holiday packages for £724pp. Otherwise Loveholidays has seven-night stays with return flights for £279pp when staying at budget hotels like Best Western. Here are some of my other top tips, including the best Cotswolds town to visit and my favourite UK hotels. Advertisement Struggle to pack light? Here is the travel bag I always take with me after travelling to more than 50 countries.
