Melodifestivalen is not just music and noise in the arena. In addition, on Saturday, an event was organized for the children in the Luleå Energy Arena.

But the effort was so popular that families with children had no chance of being accommodated in the arena.

Had to wait in the cold

The arena, which seats 3800 people, was filled almost immediately. Shortly after the event had started, the organizers had to let the visitors queue. The families were only released when others left.

According to SVT's reporter on site, families with children stood waiting for more than two hours in the snow and cold outside. And when they came in, the queues were just as long there for those who also wanted to meet Taurus from SVT's Labyrinth. Disappointed families of families then turned to the door as they realized how long they would have to wait.

Shouldn't you have booked a bigger arena?

- Yes, now Coop Arena was occupied today by the Melodifestivalen. Otherwise, it might have been a suitable arena. It's like Håkan Hellström at Ullevi fixed for children, says Peter Larsson, event project manager.

He continues:

- I can only complain. We couldn't do otherwise simply. But between the performances that the dragon and the Summer Shadow have both had to go out and do high five and hug those who stood in the queue. It hopefully made the situation a little nicer for those who stood out there, says Peter Larsson, event project manager.

Will be back in March

When the event has been in other cities, it has been outdoors. Then everyone has a place. But because there are minus degrees and snow in Luleå it was indoors this time.

The next time it is arranged is in connection with the second chance in Eskilstuna and then it will be outdoors again.

- And thankfully, the dragon and Summer Shadow are coming back to Luleå to do an outdoor thing at the end of March. Then everyone will be able to see them, says Peter Larsson, event project manager.