Sigur Rós announce the first round of acts for their NORÐUR OG NIÐUR festival in Iceland between Christmas and New Year Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Shields, Stars of the Lid, Dan Deacon and Julianna Barwick are among the first artists announced in their takeover of Reykjavík's largest arts venue, Harpa Concert Hall, December 27-30.  Watch a trailer for the event here. 

As the light-filled days of the Icelandic Summer draw in, Sigur Rós reveal the initial round of acts for NORÐUR OG NIÐUR, their ambitious curation of Harpa, Reykjavík's premiere state-of-the-art venue. This December 27-30, the dark days of  Winter will play host to the four-day event bringing together performances from the band's friends, collaborators and heroes. 

"We are beyond excited about NORÐUR OG NIÐUR. Organising your own festival is brilliant, you draw-up a fantasy league of all your favourite players, reach out to people, cross your fingers, and with a little bit of luck and good timing, get a wholly phenomenal squad of unbeatable talent all in one place at one time ready to make magic happen." 

The first acts announced for NORÐUR OG NIÐUR are: "short-sighted musician and broadcaster", and sometime Pulp frontman, Jarvis Cocker; an Icelandic debut for Kevin Shields, iconic leader of My Bloody Valentine; and legendary US avant-gardists Stars of the Lid. Dan Deacon and Julianna Barwick also both make welcome returns to Reykjavík - Julianna recorded her 2013 album Nepenthein Iceland, and Dan performed a live show that still lives vividly in the memory of anyone who witnessed it.  

New homegrown talents in the form of the highly-feted JFDR and Hugar slot alongside freshly-hewn collaborations between established local artists Sin Fang, Sóley and Örvar Smárason, who come together to make their live debut at NORÐUR OG NIÐUR. Many more acts from near and far will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

4-day passes for NORÐUR OG NIÐUR will be strictly limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis*. General on-sale for NORÐUR OG NIÐUR passes will be Thursday, September 28th. For special updates, exclusive announcements and pre-sales be sure to register at nordurognidur.is.  

No-one lights up December's darkest days quite like the Icelanders. Reykjavík's reputation for being able to throw a party is not lightly earned, and NORÐUR OG NIÐUR will significantly ramp up a holiday season already filled with fun, festivities and a truly insane arsenal of fireworks. 

*Tickets for the Sigur Rós shows are sold separately to NORÐUR OG NIÐUR passes. Existing ticket holders for Sigur Rós shows will have first access to the NORÐUR OG NIÐUR passes, with a very limited quantity at a special low price.  

NORÐUR OG NIÐUR first announce lineup 

Jarvis Cocker (UK)
Kevin Shields (UK)
Stars of The Lid (USA)
Dan Deacon (USA)
Julianna Barwick (USA)
Sin Fang, Sóley and Örvar Smárason (Iceland)
JFDR (Iceland)
Hugar (Iceland)