For those seriously overburdened with money, there's the official Festival merchandise available:
Others use a different means of lightening their load:
But the old standby remains this:
Because it ain't Roskilde Festival without a proper mud bath! And while this year has been dry so far I doubt anyone has forgotten last year's rainout. It was getting to be ark-building time...
Sadly, no festival without drugs.
The Festival as an institution tries to hammer the message home:
But then, at this stall you can openly shop for various smoking paraphernalia...
... and no doubt the sales guy would be happy to direct you to the nearest dealer.
It appears to be a losing battle.
So far the police have confiscated far larger quantities of drugs than earlier years. Not only the (at least over here) 'traditional' festival stuff like marijuana and hashish, but also this year a large number of E's and some cocaine. And a few days ago a Norwegian festival goer went into cardiac arrest after taking heroin, and remains comatose in hospital.
All I can say is: I've been to the Festival several times (though it's been many years now), and I never had any trouble having a good time without drugs. It really shouldn't be so hard...
During Festival week, almost anything can be bought. Market stalls spring up like weeds:
The local shops also get in on the act:
If you can't sell it during Festival week, it's essentially unsellable! Take this, for example... 
Loads of fun stuff to be had, if you're drunk or silly (or both) enough.
However, I have to say... Kurt Cobain in tie-dye... that's just wrong. Truly.
Today the 'real' Festival grounds are opened and official concert programme begins (there has been a series of less known bands playing on small stages in the camping grounds, some to very good reviews).
And for those intent on making their own contribution, instruments are sold literally in the streets:
Some allow themselves to be inspired...
... while others take the opportunity to lay in some more supplies:
Although the basic shopping needs are catered for in the camping area...
... most of the kids make the journey into town in order to shop more cheaply. Also, the 'official' music part of the festival doesn't start until Thursday...
... so there's plenty of time to spend money, and plenty to spend it on. And then, afterwards, there's the trip back:
They come from all over, by any means necessary:
And the local bus company gets in on the act with a dedicated service between the train station and the Festival campsite:
It's that time of year again:
For a week the town's population will more than double as young folks from all corners of Denmark and beyond flock to Roskilde for a week's worth of camping out, having fun, and listening to cool music. And for those who don't remember what it's like the library has kindly put up a little 'reminder':
Note to readers: The posts spanning the week from June 30 till July 6 are all covering the same theme, namely the Roskilde Festival. Therefore each post may contain pictures that were not necessarily taken on the supposed date, as I've tried to give each post a sub-theme. Every picture was, however, taken during that week.
McDonald's test marketing a new menu?
Nope...
(Keep watching this blog; all will be revealed. I promise.)
Freshly minted high school graduates a-frolicking in the fountain (local tradition). I think it's safe to say the average blood alcohol level is non-zero...
About the headgear: Danish tradition dictates that students upon passing their last exam be presented with a 'student cap' (bought and paid for in advance; whether you follow the tradition is voluntary, though). The caps have different coloured bands, denoting which branch of youth education the student came up through (academic, business, technical etc.). This bunch have maroon bands, so it's the academic branch, and many will no doubt be starting university in the autumn.
A couple of reconstruction Viking boats out on the fjord. A fairly common sight in the summer, at least hereabouts.
In one of Roskilde's two squares stands a sculpture part of which is this broad and very shallow basin. This morning I came past and spotted this mallard standing in it (barely got his feet wet), and I just had to snap him!
PS: The green is in fact the beeches standing just inside the wall of the neighbouring cemetery. I think the reflection makes the whole picture wonderfully absurd.
I came by the Viking Ship Museum today. All the boats are, of course, currently sitting on land waiting for warmer weather. It's quite a sight in summer, with longboats moored along the pier by the Museum Island, and sometimes sailing on the fjord.
The twin spires of Roskilde Cathedral.
The oldest parts of the cathedral date back to the 12th century; since 1995 the cathedral has been on Unesco's World Heritage List.
I'll try and get a better picture at a later date.
Brief edit: there's more info (and piccies) to be found here.
