FAN REPORT from the Viru Folk Festival, Käsmu, Estonia - 9.8.2020

A DREAM HAS COME TRUE - FAN MEETING WITH ALEXANDER RYBAK

Due to the COVID-19-pandemic outbreak, it was uncertain for long, if this year's Viru Folk Festival in Estonia could be held, and if so, the travel restrictions allow Alexander Rybak to travel to the event. In the end, the festival was supposed to be organized as planned and all artists could attend.

But it was clear that in this circumstances, there was hardly any chance for a meeting that many fans of Alexander long for all over the world. 

Just like the 15 year old girl, Angelina from Estonia.

She has been a fan of him for several years and sees him as her favourite singer, idol, biggest inspiration and motivator, so she couldn't wait to get an opportunity to meet him in person some day.

--> HERE (in her Instagram Story Highlight) you can get some view of her fandom story and fan art work.

And the long awaited meeting has eventually happened - even despite these difficult circumstances.
To find out how she managed finally and what and who helped her, read her adventurous story - that sounds like a true fairy tale...

Chapter 1 - Festival and performance

After we had arrived to Käsmu, we went straight away to the main stage where Alexander was going to perform. There was an hour left before he comes on the stage, so I was just wandering around. While walking around the stage and searching where Alexander could be, I found one of the staffs.

I had brought his Trolle book and a small gift for him with me, and I really wanted to meet him. I asked the staff if it's possible to meet the main artist (who was Alexander Rybak) and the staff went to ask the organizers. She came back saying that it'll turn out later and told me to come back after the concert. I went back and found a place for myself in the first row, right near the stage. 

After Peep Veedla, the main organizer had given a small speech, he called Rybak. He came on the stage, wearing a mask and filled with energy. He looked really happy and healthy, which I was really glad about. In a moment he took his mask off, threw it away and the show began.

He seemed to be in really good shape and he was dancing, jumping and smiling, you could feel the positive energy coming from him. He was interacting with the public and also went on his knees a few times and clapped his hands  along with the fans. A girl in the first row put her small notebook and a pen on the edge of the stage, as soon as Alexander saw it, he smiled and signed it. The air was hot and the whole crowd was singing along and cheering with him. The atmosphere of the festival was really enjoyable and everyone was very kind.

Rybak performed 15 songs, including his song "Fairytale" which had brought him the victory in Eurovision Song Contest back in 2009. After singing "Roll With The Wind", he went off the stage, waving to the audience. Everyone was waiting for him to come back, and that's what he did: he set a strong, powerful point to the festival with the mix of his favourite Eurovision songs and once again, his own winning song "Fairytale".

Chapter 2 - Unexpected meeting

After he had walked off, I ran to the backstage where a bus was already waiting for him. I asked the staff if it's possible to at least get a photo with him, their answer was quick and loud: no. 
They opened a door for him and I was already losing my hope of meeting, but surprisingly he didn't sit in. Instead, he started walking towards a house which was around 30 meters away from the stage. Two security men ran after him, one took his place on left side of Alexander, another on the right. I slowly followed them to the house where Rybak walked in. I stayed outside with one of the security men, one of them disappeared behind the house. 
I asked him if it's possible to somehow take a photo following the 2 meter distance rule, so Alexander would stand 2 meters behind me, but the security replied that it's not his decision and he can do nothing. 
While waiting outside the house, a girl walked up to me and chatted me up. She asked if I was also waiting to get an autograph, I replied that I'd love to get a photo with him. While having a fun chat with the girl, I saw a lady going into the house, holding my book and my drawing which I had made as a gift for Alexander. 
I was wondering how did she get them, I had given them to my dad before, so they wouldn't get damaged while I was in the crowd. My dad had now found me too and explained how he had given my book and the drawing to one of the organizers, so there would be a chance to at least get an autograph.

In a few minutes the lady came out, holding my book and asking if I'm Angelina. I said "yes" and she handed me the book. I opened it and saw a text and Alexander's autograph in it. He had thanked me for my love and art - I was so happy that I actually started crying and shaking, I didn't even care that I had make up on, I cried it all off. I didn't even care about the security man who was still standing there, I went crazy in front of everyone.

After waiting for Alexander for around half an hour, he came out. A bus was already waiting for him and he straightaway got it. The girl next to me went to him and asked for an autograph, which he signed with bright eyes. 
I went a bit closer to him after the girl had got the autograph and he saw the book I was holding. He asked if my name is Angelina and if it was me who drew that picture for him, I answered: "yes, it was me".
He said "Thank you very much" and seemed to be happy about my gift, that made me really glad. 

My dad, who was standing a meter away asked Alexander if he'd like to take a photo and he replied immediately: "of course I want!" He got out of the bus, I went to him, and dad took a few shots and I thanked Alexander happily. 
Being happier than ever before, I stepped away and walked on the other side of the bus, a bit away from it. I didn't believe what just had happened and I literally thought I was dreaming and waited until I wake up, but it was all real. I looked at the photos and actually the whole place was filled of my screaming of happiness.

The bus turned around and started driving, Alexander's window was open and he looked out. I waved to him and yelled "Bye!", he smiled, waved back and repeated the same.

A bit later, while walking away from the festival place, I saw the same bus driving behind us. I saw Alexander and waved to him for the last time.

This was the best day of my life! I hope that you, who you are reading this will get such opportunity as well and feel all those positive emotions and good feelings I felt.

Watch these great videos from the concert in this playlist
- 14 of them were made by Angelina herself -

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Read more about the concert

and find more photos and videos 

--> HERE