"The Big Neighborhood Party" Nominated for a Prestigious Award

254 neighborhood parties have been held, attracting thousands of participants across an area of approximately 6,300 km². Now, “The Big Neighborhood Party” has been nominated for “Placebrander of the Year.”

“It’s incredibly gratifying that it’s receiving this recognition,” says David Ekström, communications officer for the City of Skellefteå.

The municipality of Skellefteå has experienced record growth. A large portion of the influx of new residents is international. New and long-time residents come together here, and the municipality of Skellefteå wanted to foster greater inclusion among them. The solution was a community celebration for all residents. The municipality provided the framework: starter kits, games, recipes, and the chance to win their own chef and troubadour. The residents were responsible for organizing the celebration themselves.

On August 30, 2025, the residents of Skellefteå organized 254 neighborhood parties across the municipality. These neighborhood parties brought together up to 17 different nationalities at a single event, as well as a mix of new and long-time Skellefteå residents. Among the participants were children, adults, retirees, people with different professions, interests, social circles, and lifestyles.

Now, The Great Neighborhood Party is in the running for the Placebrander of the Year award, a national prize that highlights outstanding efforts in place development and place marketing. The Great Neighborhood Party is one of five nominated finalists.

This is incredibly gratifying and further proof that The Big Neighborhood Party was a very successful campaign. At times like this, I feel even prouder to be a resident of Skellefteå—because this is something the residents themselves chose to create. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who organized and participated. Now we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony in Härnösand in September, says initiator David Ekström, who is currently planning this year’s edition of The Big Neighborhood Party. We haven’t quite set the date yet, but it will be announced shortly, says Ekström.

View the contest entry