Nearly 7,000 young computer enthusiasts packed the iconic Vikingskipet hall in Hamar during the Easter holidays to attend the 25th anniversary of “The Gathering.” It remains Norway’s largest gathering of high-tech-oriented teenagers who prefer a dark hall and constant online events to skiing in the nearby mountains.
This year’s Gathering set a new record in attendance and could boast some other impressive statistics as well, like 27 kilometers of cables to hook up around 10,000 computers and other electronic devices. Organizers were also prepared with 900 rolls of toilet paper, 14,400 garbage bags and 20 kilometers of network cables to provide the necessities for those who arrived on Wednesday last week and stayed through until Sunday, when Internet access was shut down at 9am and the electricity turned off at 10am.
Otherwise the participants could enjoy nearly non-stop gaming, various tournaments and competitions. This year’s Gathering also attracted more girls, who made up around 12 percent of total attendance, up from 7 percent five years ago.
newsinenglish.no staff