Tivoli

Tivoli was a magical experience. I entered thought the main gate and the first thing I saw was the end of an open-air ballet of a H.C. Andersen tale. I immediately sensed that this was a special place. I exchanged my ticket at once for a season pass; I’d definitely be returning.

Tivoli is in the heart of Copenhagen and as soon as you enter it becomes apparent why this amusement park holds a special place in the Danish collective conscience. It possesses a sort of permanent nostalgia. The lonelyplanet guidebook suggests going to Tivoli simply to watch ‘the happy crowds cavort’ And cavort they do! Somewhere between the ballet and the flower-beds I was infected by the glowing sentiment of the place and joined the smiling masses. It was lovely.

I sauntered around the grounds, safe in the knowledge that I could do this again (for free) and got a sense of the place. There are continuous periodic screams from the rollercoaster riders, bells sounding, lights bleeping, more cavorting.

I walked around. Bought popcorn. The only thing missing was a date!

I was at Tivoli to see the ‘Brand New Heavies’ – An acid jazz band from London. I knew of the band from when I was living there. The good old days of UEL – soft hearts and hard drugs! The band was magnificent. Fronted by a new (and extremely attractive) lead vocalist, the band is sure to make a successful comeback.

There was a great rapport developed between the band and the audience. I was really ‘feeling it’ towards the end of the show.

Here are some pictures of the ballet (1 and 2) as well as the ballet stage, a photo of the Tivoli Marching band as well as the grounds.