Magic, music, and joyful laughter filled the air when Eventyrlige Legefællesskaber (“Fairy Tale Play Communities”) invited children to play at the H.C. Andersen Festivals 2025. In the festively decorated foyer of Musikhuset Posten in Odense C, more than 300 kindergarten children and their accompanying adults were welcomed into a sensory, imaginative universe inspired by Ole Lukøje, the Danish Sandman.
At the entrance, a smiling fairy greeted the children and guided them into a dreamlike world of balloons, rod puppets, and gentle music. Three creative “play stations” awaited—each representing a unique Ole Lukøje universe—staffed by artists, musicians, singers, and performers who had developed their own interpretations of the classic fairy tale
 

Umbrella Magic, Starry Moments, and the Mouse Wedding

Benedicte Riis and Benny Bang captivated the children with songs and playful umbrella magic that transformed reality into a dreamscape. With a simple tap of the umbrella, night became day, and everyone was invited to join the celebration.

Louise Bjerkstad guided the children into the quiet space of night, where dreams took shape and colour. Beneath a starlit sky, the children painted their own dreams on small umbrellas—offering a calm, sensory interpretation of the story.

Stenia and Jorge Degas brought energy and imagination together through music, dance, and movement. Here, the children celebrated a whimsical mouse wedding, dancing to live instruments while two large rod puppets played the leading roles.

At one station, the children even met Ole Lukøje’s lesser-known brother—the one who guides us into eternal sleep. Through play, song, and movement, themes of life, death, and dreams were explored in a humorous, gentle, and reassuring way.

“We jumped, danced, sang, and painted together. The children loved being free to use both their bodies and their imagination, and many discovered new sides of H.C. Andersen’s storytelling,” said one of the play facilitators.
 

Continuing the Dreams at Home

All participants received a small booklet featuring the day’s songs and space to draw their own thoughts about Ole Lukøje—a lovely way to extend the dream play at home.

Many children shared afterwards that they were already looking forward to returning next year.

“It’s wonderful to see how the children immerse themselves in the story and take joy in the shared experience. Thank you so much for playing with us—and we hope to see you again at Eventyrlige Legefællesskaber 2026!”

Eventyrlige Legefællesskaber is a series of play-based activities organised by Learn For Life. Its purpose is to strengthen play and community between children and adults through co-creation and creative expression, inspired by the fairy tales of H.C. Andersen.