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Independent Festival Awards handed out

By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 31 October 2017

The Independent Festival Awards took place last night at the Festival Congress conference in Cardiff. Hosted by Glastonbury’s Ben Challis, the big winner of the night was Secret Garden Party, which took home two prizes, following its final edition this summer.

“The Independent Festival Awards was an outstanding celebration”, says the Association Of Independent Festivals’ Paul Reed. “It is always a tough call with such a strong shortlist and this reflects the abundance of creativity and imagination fuelling this inspiring and growing sector. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees”.

He added: “As we look towards the next phase of the Congress and Sheffield in 2018, this has topped off a phenomenal four years in Cardiff”. Oh yes, AIF also announced yesterday that its annual Festival Congress will move to Sheffield next year. So now you know that too.

And here are the winners of the Independent Festival Awards:

Unique Festival Arena: Womb With A View at Shambala

Best Smart Marketing: Secret Garden Party’s VIP/Celebrity Obsession Theme

Live Act Of The Year: Idles

Mind Blowing Spectacle: Nozstock The Hidden Valley’s Closing Festival Fire Show

Festival Caterer Of The Year: Happy Maki

New Festival On The Block: Aespia

Act Of Independence: Greenbelt Festival

Pioneer Award: Freddie Fellowes – Secret Garden Party