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Excitement Builds for Øya 2013

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Norway's biggest music festival returns to Oslo's Medieval Park from 6-10 August, with Kraftwerk, Blur, and Slayer topping the bill.

It's been one of the best years ever for ticket sales, with festival passes long since snapped up, and just a handful of day tickets for Wednesday remaining. Here's our guide to the biggest names featuring at the festival.

Wednesday 7th August

Øya 2013 logoHeadliners Blur shot to fame in the 1990s with Britpop hits such as Parklife, Country House, and Song 2. Rave reviews from their recent Hyde Park show have raised expectations for an unforgettable opening to this year's Øya.

The newly-reformed Wu-Tang Clan are a late addition to the Øya line-up. The New York based hip-hop collective has been the launch pad for the solo careers of RZA, Ol ‘Dirty Bastard, GZA, Ghostface Killa, Method Man and Raekwon. This 20-year anniversary show is sure to sell-out the last few day tickets.

Thursday 8th August

See why Kendrick Lamar had the best-selling album by a new male artist in the United States in 2012, and check out the distinctive style of Grimes. Popular Icelandic group Of Monsters And Men and Montreal cult favourites Godspeed You! Black Emperor also feature.

Friday 9th August

Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk released their debut album Autobahn in 1974 and they are still going strong today, 39 years later. See why the German band inspired such big names as David Bowie, Björk, Depeche Mode as they bring their new 3D show to Øya.

Also featuring on Friday are dreamy pop act Beach House and Norwegian rockers Honningbarna.

Saturday 10th August

Swedish electro-pop siblings The Knife return to Øya seven years after their renowned 2006 appearance. This time they bring their Shaking the Habitual show to Oslo. If their unique style isn't your thing, check out American metal legends Slayer on the other stage, as they preview songs from their new album alongside old favourites.

Øya on the move

The Medieval Park is just steps from Oslo's main train and bus stations, but it's this proximity that has caused the site's downfall. Due to railway construction Øya must find a new home from 2014, and that home is to be Tøyen Park.

It's potentially a great move for Øya, with more space and still walking distance from the city centre and Grünerløkka. The festival management plans to return to Medieval Park after the construction work is complete, but I have a feeling Tøyen Park may win them over.

About David Nikel

Originally from the UK, David now lives in Trondheim and was the original founder of Life in Norway back in 2011. He now works as a professional writer on all things Scandinavia.

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