The European Festival Awards, a prestigious celebration of the continent’s vibrant music festival scene, has unveiled its nominees for the 2024 edition, marking the 14th year of the awards. Over 50,000 votes were cast to determine the finalists across 13 diverse categories, ranging from Best Major Festival to the Newcomer of the Year. The awards ceremony is scheduled for January 15, 2025, at the Oosterpoort in Groningen, Netherlands, coinciding with the opening day of the Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) conference and showcase festival. This year’s nominations showcase a diverse and exciting range of festivals from across Europe, highlighting the dynamism and innovation within the industry.
In the highly competitive Best Major Festival category, a collection of Europe’s most prominent events are vying for the top honor. The Netherlands boasts a strong showing with three nominees: Down the Rabbit Hole, Lowlands, and Pinkpop. Spain also claims two spots on the list with Mad Cool Festival and Primavera Sound, the latter fresh off a sold-out announcement for its 2025 Barcelona edition featuring a stellar lineup including Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan. Other notable contenders include Czechia’s Colours of Ostrava, which recently revealed its own impressive 2025 lineup featuring Sting, Iggy Pop, and Justice. Conspicuously absent from the Best Major Festival nominations are any UK festivals, including Glastonbury, despite its successful 2024 edition.
The Best Medium-Sized Festival category features an intriguing mix of established and emerging events. Switzerland’s renowned Montreux Jazz Festival is joined by Dua Lipa’s Sunny Hill Festival, held annually in Pristina, Kosovo since 2018. This nomination highlights the growing influence of artist-curated festivals and their ability to attract international attention. Other nominees in this category include Dauwpop (Netherlands), Greenfield Festival (Switzerland), Mystic Festival (Poland), OFF Festival (Poland), Orange Warsaw Festival (Poland), Pohoda Festival (Slovakia), Rock for People (Czech Republic), and Vestrock (Netherlands). The competition in this category underscores the diversity and depth of the European festival landscape.
Beyond the festival categories, the European Festival Awards also recognize individual achievements and initiatives. Finnish music promoter Juhani Merimaa has been named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his five-decade-long career and his significant contribution to the Finnish music industry. Merimaa, known as the “man who brought rock and roll to Finland,” has been instrumental in shaping the country’s music scene, including his long-standing leadership of the legendary Tavastia Klubi and his involvement in major festivals like Ankkarock, Ruisrock, and Tuska.
The Take A Stand Award, recognizing festivals committed to positive change within the industry, features a unique collective nomination. Six Belgian festivals – Dranouter, Tomorrowland, Extrema Outdoor, Pukkelpop, Graspop, and Rock Werchter – are nominated as a single entity for their We Care A Lot initiative. This collaborative effort aims to enhance safety at events and has also earned the group a nomination for the Event Safety Award. This joint nomination highlights the increasing importance of collaborative efforts and shared responsibility in addressing industry-wide challenges.
The remaining categories showcase a wide range of nominees, from emerging festivals in the New Kid on the Block category to industry professionals like promoters, agents, and newcomers in their respective fields. The Line-Up of the Year award promises to be a hotly contested category, reflecting the diverse musical tastes and programming prowess of European festivals. Categories like Promoter of the Year and Agent of the Year acknowledge the vital roles these individuals play in shaping the festival landscape. The Award for Excellence and Passion recognizes outstanding contributions to the festival industry, celebrating those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation.
The 2024 European Festival Awards nominations reflect a vibrant and evolving festival landscape. From established giants to emerging players, the nominees represent a diverse range of musical genres, event sizes, and innovative approaches to festival programming. The awards not only celebrate the best in the industry but also highlight the increasing importance of sustainability, safety, and social responsibility within the festival community. The ceremony in January promises to be a fitting tribute to the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive the European festival scene. The diverse range of nominees underscores the strength and vitality of the industry, highlighting the continued growth and innovation across Europe. The awards ceremony will be a celebration of the collective efforts of all involved, from organizers and artists to fans and volunteers who contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the European festival experience. The event also serves as a platform for recognizing the evolving trends and challenges within the industry, such as sustainability, safety, and inclusivity, and acknowledges those who are actively working to create positive change. The 2024 European Festival Awards will be a testament to the power of music and the enduring appeal of the festival experience, bringing together the industry’s best and brightest to celebrate a year of creativity and connection.
