Pity the organisers of the Bergen International Festival, whose inaugural concert on Wednesday was attended by Norway's Crown Prince Haakon - but not, alas, by most of the city's Philharmonic orchestra, whose members were on strike. No such local difficulties for Natjazz, Bergen's jazz festival. Based in what was once Norway's biggest sardine factory, this 11-day quayside festival presents at least five main bands every evening, with its strong local content augmented by Americans.

Norway's second city prides itself on being good at contemporary arts and Bergen certainly piles on the festivals throughout the summer. There is a quirky streak to Norwegian creativity. A coming festival of contemporary music particularly caught my eye - its "trollofon" concerts will stage electronic music performances on a movingvintage trolleybus (www.borealisfestival.no).