Sandefjord, Norway — Nearly 1,000 young adults from more than 30 countries came together in Norway this August for Festinord 2025, a weeklong event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gathering brought together young people aged 18–35 for a shared experience of faith, friendship, and spiritual growth.
Held at the Oslofjord Convention Centre in Sandefjord, the event marked the 59th year of Festinord, which has become a key annual gathering for young Christians across Europe and beyond. This year’s theme, “Part of His Crew,” encouraged participants to recognise their divine identity and their role in God’s work.
My Helles from Sweden, who participated in this year’s gathering, said: “Festinord is an uplifting experience because you meet friends, you get to feel the spirit and feel our Saviour’s love, and you reconnect spiritually and feel the love of Christ.”
Throughout the week, participants engaged in a wide range of activities designed to strengthen faith and create lasting memories. Each day began with a worship devotional led by guest speakers, including Elder Kevin W. Pearson, Europe North Area President, and his wife, Sister June Pearson, who spoke about divine identity and the importance of belonging. Elder Mark Dundon, an Area Seventy in Norway, also addressed the group, focusing on how the gospel can bring lasting change and personal transformation.
Elder Mark Dundon, said: “The atonement is not just there for those who transgress and need to be forgiven, the atonement is also there, for those who are victims of the consequences and choices caused by other people’s actions, to be healed”.
Attendees also participated in service projects that supported emergency aid workers and provided help for children in need. Alongside these efforts, they enjoyed a variety of physical and social activities that encouraged connection, teamwork, and fun.
Sports and fitness offerings ranged from traditional games to high-energy Zumba classes. A highlight was the “Viking Games,” which included axe throwing, archery, and team-based challenges that encouraged both fun and cooperation. In the evenings, participants enjoyed two themed dances, musical performances, and the Festinord Variety Show - a showcase of talent and testimony that brought the community together in celebration.
Leah Evensen from Norway, who was in attendance, said: “It's really fun to take part in all the activities, so going to Festinord was a no-brainer. It's fun to get to know new people and just be social, while knowing that there's an opportunity to build on my faith because there are spiritual activities too. I get to do all the things I want to do, both socially and spiritually”.
The setting in coastal Norway offered a peaceful environment for reflection and connection. Many attendees described the experience as a turning point in their personal faith journeys and a reminder that they are part of a global community of believers.
The origins of Festinord date back to 1934 when young Latter-day Saints in Sweden began holding annual gatherings. Following the Second World War, the conference was re-established and slowly grew to include neighbouring Nordic nations. In 1966, the conference was re-named Festinord, and hosting of the event began altering between Nordic nations on an annual basis.
As this year’s event concluded, participants returned home with strengthened testimonies, new friendships, and a renewed commitment to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.