Folkemødet is an annual meeting of people and politicians which takes place on Bornholm island in Denmark. The event is inspired by Almedal Week in the town of Visby, Gotland in Sweden. The leaders of all the political parties in Denmark attend together with government ministers and MEPs. Many mayors and councilors from Denmark and its neighbouring countries are present as well. The event is open to various associations, interest groups and ordinary members of the public. This ‘politics festival’ provides a forum where Danish politicians debate current political issues in a context that allows direct participation from the voting public.
At this year’s event, Plastic Change (with whom KIMO Denmark works closely) sponsored a swim around Bornholm to raise awareness about plastic pollution. The swimmers swam 110 km around the island over 5 days. On Friday people were invited to swim the last 500 meters together with the long distance swimmers and then celebrate the achievement afterwards. Of course, KIMO Denmark was present at the Folkemødet with intrepid adventurer and KIMO Denmark National Coordinator, Ryan Metcalfe taking up the challenge. Some politicians and representatives from other organisations also took the plunge.
The event generated significant media interest and as the old adage goes, there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Well done to all involved – our oceans need all the publicity they can get.