AIF Festival Congress Award Winners

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) announced the winners of the 2015 Festival Congress Awards last night (Nov 1st) at a packed out ceremony at DEPOT in Cardiff. Hosted by Ben Challis (Glastonbury Festival), the ceremony took place on the evening of the first day of Festival Congress.

Winners included Bluedot (New Festival on the block), End of the Road Festival (Best Smart Marketing), Brian Eno’s light Installation at Jodrell Bank (Mind Blowing Spectacle), Spring King(Live act of the year) and Deer Shed Festival’s Film Production Big Top (Unique Festival Arena).

In addition, the Multi Agency Safety Testing (MAST) drugs testing piloted at Secret Garden Partyand Kendal Calling this year won the newly introduced ‘Act of Independence’ award, introduced to highlight a moment in the festival season that embodied the spirit of independence.

Paul Reed, General Manager of the AIF said: “This was the third Festival Congress Awards and a fantastic celebration of the independent festival sector. Our members had some difficult decisions to make with such a strong shortlist and we’re delighted to acknowledge the creativity and hard work that goes into producing the best festivals in the world, bar none”.  

Well he would say that, wouldn’t he?

And speaking of the bar, following the ceremony, congress delegates congregated at one, to enjoy a festival-themed party with DJ sets from AIF members The Head Gardener (Secret Garden Party),Chris Tofu (Continental Drifts) and a ‘Purple Rave’ tribute to Prince from Tayo3000. 

For info and to see all award winners go to www.festivalcongress.com