LILLEHAMMER, Norway, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Norwegian Festival of Literature, the largest literary festival in the Nordic region, concluded on Sunday after a week of vibrant events that drew tens of thousands of visitors and featured acclaimed authors from across the globe.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year's festival was held from June 2 to 8 in Lillehammer, a UNESCO City of Literature. The program brought together over 400 writers and artists, offering approximately 300 events, including readings, panel discussions, concerts, and award ceremonies.

A standout moment of the festival was the rare public appearance of celebrated Japanese author Haruki Murakami. He headlined two sold-out sessions and also participated in a special event titled "Murakami and Music" with Norwegian jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, exploring the role of music in Murakami's literary work.

Festival director Marit Borkenhagen praised the milestone edition's success. "It is inspiring to see literature continue to foster dialogue, bridge cultures, and engage readers of all ages," she said.

Founded in 1995, the Norwegian Festival of Literature has evolved into a key cultural platform, promoting both regional voices and international literary exchange. ■