New Year's Eve in Vänersborg
Vänersborg

Welcome to a cozy and personal New Year’s celebration in Plantaget, right in the heart of Vintertid i Vänersborg.

This year’s New Year’s speaker is Lars Salonen, a true entrepreneur who, in addition to running and developing his own successful business for many years, has also devoted significant time and engagement to Vänersborg’s various professional networks and community organizations. For seven years, he also served as chairman of Forum Vänersborg, where—with great enthusiasm, outstanding diplomatic skill, and passion—he contributed to increased collaboration between the municipality and the business community. In 2023, Lars received the Vänersborg Gala Honorary Award for Business, presented by Municipal Director Lena Tegenfeldt.

In Vänersborg Church, there will be a New Year’s prayer service at 3:30 PM, followed by the festivities beginning with a torchlight procession starting at the foot of the Residens Bridge on the Vassbotten side. Lions Vänersborg will hand out torches and lead the procession, which departs for Plantaget at 4:40 PM.

At 5:00 PM, the celebration begins in Plantaget, hosted by master of ceremonies Håkan Thunberg. Singer and songwriter Sebastian Enorson, shaped by the arts program at Birger Sjöberg Upper Secondary School in Vänersborg, is currently studying music production at Löftadalen Folk High School in Åsa. Each year, Vänersborgs Söners Gille awards the prestigious Sjung Sjung scholarship during the National Day celebration in Vänersborg, and this year Sebastian received the award for his singing and music, recognized for his strong stage presence and emotionally resonant songwriting.

The celebration concludes with a traditional trumpet performance from the church tower.