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Pohoda, Wacken Open Air, NorthSide, Mojo Concerts and CAA’s Mike Greek were among the winners at last night’s tenth-anniversary European Festival Awards 2018, held at Eurosonic Noorderslag in Groningen.
Hosted for the final time by IQ editor Gordon Masson and Glastonbury Festival/Yourope lawyer Ben Challis, the awards once again recognised excellence in 15 categories, with the biggest prizes of the night – best major festival and line-up of the year – going to Judas Priest-headlined Wacken Open Air and Roskilde Festival, respectively.
Roskilde was a double winner, also taking home the health and safety award for the second year running, with Pohoda Festival winning the Take a Stand Award and its festival director, Michal Kascak, the prize for excellence and passion.
The Netherlands’ Mojo (Pinkpop, North Sea Jazz, Down the Rabbit Hole) won best promoter, while Denmark’s NorthSide was recognised as the best medium-sized festival and Romania’s ARTmania the best small event.
Pohoda, Wacken Open Air, NorthSide, Mojo Concerts and CAA’s Mike Greek were among the winners
As previously announced, Eurosonic Noorderslag co-founder and outgoing creative director Peter Smidt took home the lifetime achievement award.
Performances on the night came from Grant and Bishop Briggs, with the main artist’s award, for best newcomer, being awarded to Greta Van Fleet.
A full list of winners is below.
Best New Festival
Rolling Stone Park
The Health & Safety Innovation Award
Roskilde Festival
Agent of the Year
Mike Greek, CAA
Best Small Festival
ARTmania Festival
The Green Operations Award
DGTL Amsterdam
Promoter of the Year
Mojo Concerts
Line-up of the Year
Roskilde Festival
Best Indoor Festival
WOS Festival
The Take a Stand Award
Pohoda Festival
The Brand Activation Award
Fortum at Ruisrock
Newcomer of the Year
Greta van Fleet
Best Medium-Sized Festival
NorthSide Festival
The Award for Excellence & Passion
Michal Kascak, Pohoda Festival
Best Major Festival
Wacken Open Air
The Lifetime Achievement Award
Peter Smidt
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