Nightlife is missing in Västerbotten's hinterland – Larry in Sorsele took outdoor life into his own hands: "We have to fix it ourselves"

5/20/2023, 5:28:27 PM

Highlights: In many parts of Sweden, there is no place to go for a night out. The city of Stavanger is trying to change that. It has launched a campaign to find a place for young people to go out and have a good time. The campaign is called "Stavanger for Young People" and is supported by the city's residents. It also has the support of the city council, which has been working on the issue for some time. It is hoped that the campaign will lead to a change in the way the city is run.

In many parts of the hinterland, there is a complete lack of nightlife venues. In Sorsele, young people have to travel seven miles if they are to find a dance floor. Larry Gonzalez wants to do something about this and has therefore started up an event company. "It's up to us to fix it if it's going to come to fruition," he says.

When Larry Gonzalez moved to Sorsele from South America in 2005, the entertainment and nightlife flourished in the municipality. Today, he says that there are significantly fewer meeting places and events in the area that residents can participate in.

If young people want to go out dancing, they have to go to Storuman, which is seven miles away. It's like Stockholmers having to go to Uppsala to find a place to go out.

"It's up to us to fix it if anything is going to come of it. People have been asking for a meeting place, that's what they're really missing," Gonzalez said.

Had to take matters into my own hands

Now Gonzalez has discovered started an event company, Ohlarry's, to create a meeting place in the municipality. Everyone between the ages of 18 and 99 is welcome.

"In Sorsele there is no such thing as an age group. It should feel familiar and there should be something for everyone. Even if you don't like music, you can stand in the corner, but you're still in," says Larry Gonzalez.

The opening premiere was at the cultural center in Sorsele – hear Larry Gonzalez tell more in the clip above.