In the world of dreams, anything can happen. When Ole Lukøje (the Sandman) opens his magical umbrella, imagination runs free. LearnForLife.dk invites children and adults to four activities filled with poetry, music, and live storytelling – all centered on H.C. Andersen’s fairy tale about The Sandman.

Here we meet the boy Hjalmar, who every evening is visited by the magical sleep fairy. With a sprinkle of sleep milk, The Sandman unfolds imaginative dreams – from a lavish mouse wedding to living portraits where great-grandfather steps out of his picture frame in his red coat with silver buttons and wig.

August 17: Family performance – Into the Dream with Ole Sandman.
The whole family embarks on a sensory journey into the imagination. The performance is suitable for children aged about 5 and up – and for adults who still believe in fairy tales.
 

August 18–19: Preschools – Dream Play with The Sandman
The experience is built around three imaginative play stations, where children are guided through magical activities by play facilitators, artists, and musicians:

• • Benedicte Riis and Benny Bang transform reality into fantasy with songs and umbrella magic, inviting children into an enchanted world. Night turns into day when the umbrella is opened and everyone is invited to the party.
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• • Louise Bjerkstad leads children into the quiet space of the night, where dreams take color and form. Under a starry sky, children draw their own dreams on small umbrellas – a calm and sensory experience of the fairy tale.
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• • Stenia and Jorge Degas engage body and senses with music, dance, and movement. Here children enter the world of dreams, celebrating a mouse wedding and dancing the mouse wedding dance with instruments and two large rod puppets in the leading roles.

August 18–19: Primary school (grades 0–3) – Into the Dream with The Sandman
On Monday and Tuesday, students in grades 0–3 are invited to a version of the performance that combines storytelling, music, and movement – tailored to children’s level. A whimsical experience that speaks to children’s curiosity and imagination.
 

August 18–19: People with developmental disabilities – Dream Dance with The Sandman
“Dream Dance” with the messenger of dreams, The Sandman, is specially designed to embrace adults with various cognitive and physical challenges. Through music, light, images, and participation, a safe, inclusive, and poetic universe is created.

All four activities take place during the HCA Festivals 2025. Whether on the lively streets or in the gentle world of dreams, the H.C. Andersen Festival 2025 invites everyone – from the youngest to the oldest – to celebrate creativity, community, and the timeless magic of storytelling.