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CoScan / Confederation of Scandinavian Societies

Posted 8 hours ago

Music Spotlight: Ancient Roots in Modern Times

Early September often brings the announcement of autumn tour schedules for modern Nordic folk musicians. Over the last decade, there has been a massive global revival in "dark folk" or "neofolk" music, spearheaded by groups like Norway's Wardruna. They use historically accurate instruments—like the taglharpa (bowed lyre), goat horns, and willow flutes—mixed with lyrics sung in Old Norse.It’s a hauntingly beautiful way younger generations are connecting with their roots. ... See MoreSee Less

CoScan / Confederation of Scandinavian Societies

Posted 2 days ago

Food: Foraging and the "Right to Roam"

Early September marks the absolute peak of the Nordic berry and mushroom season. In Sweden and Norway, the ancient law of Allemansrätten (Everyman's Right) grants everyone the right to freely wander through private forests to forage for chanterelles (kantareller) and lingonberries.

While the UK's foraging laws are a bit more restrictive, many of us still head out for blackberry picking this time of year!

Do you use your UK harvest to make traditional Scandinavian preserves, or perhaps a classic Danish rødgrød med fløde? ... See MoreSee Less

CoScan / Confederation of Scandinavian Societies

Posted 2 days ago

Lots of activities planned by our member societies for Autumn, including:

Danske Kirke i Hull - coffee and hygge 10th September 1-3pm

The Anglo-Danish Society - 1st October at 11am Rotherhithe Walk

Scottish Norwegian Society - Afternoon chat on 12th September 3pm

York Anglo Scandinavian Society - Memories of Sweden 8th September at 7pm ... See MoreSee Less

CoScan / Confederation of Scandinavian Societies

Posted 4 days ago

Cultural Showcase: Aarhus Festuge kicks off!

If you were in Denmark this week, you would see the city of Aarhus transformed. Starting in late August/early September, it is home to Aarhus Festuge, one of Europe’s largest and oldest art and culture festivals, running since 1965.For ten days, streets, parks, and museums fill with theatre, dance, and live music. It’s a wonderful example of how Nordic cities celebrate community outdoors before the winter sets in. ... See MoreSee Less

CoScan / Confederation of Scandinavian Societies

Posted 4 days ago

🗺️ Language Nibbles: Are You Speaking Old Norse Without Knowing It?

For those of us living in the UK, our Scandinavian heritage isn't just in our DNA—it's in the soil and the local speech! Because late August marks the transition toward autumn harvesting, let's look at a few words.

If you live in Yorkshire, Cumbria, or Scotland, you’ve likely used words like Bairn (child - from barn), Beck or Burn (stream - from bekkr), or Gate (used in street names like Micklegate - meaning street or path from gata).

What are some local words in your part of the UK that instantly remind you of the Nordic languages? ... See MoreSee Less