From festivals to a world-renowned heritage attraction, the winners of the 15th annual National Outdoor Events Association Awards have been announced, following an exclusive gala dinner in Bath’s stunning Pump Rooms.
Bournemouth 7s Festival scooped both the Large Festival of the Year Award and Sporting Event of the Year. The judges said: “We liked the idea of merging a sporting event with a festival, adding a wider message of making sport fun for everyone. It was a unique spin on a sporting event and enabled more people to get involved.”
The panel of judges was led by Alistair Turner, Managing Director of EIGHT PR and Marketing; he was joined by Andy McNicholl. City Events Manager for Liverpool Council, Sally Piggott, Head of Festivals, UK for Eventbrite, Gill Tee from entertee, and Rachel Baker, GL events UK.
Glastonbury Abbey and Liverpool Bordeaux Wine Festival took Best New Event with the judges awarding two prizes – the abbey winning small new event and the Merseyside festival taking the trophy for large new event. The Edinburgh Festival won the Judges Award.
Andy Grove, President of NOEA said: “The quality of the award winners was genuinely outstanding, and showed innovation, creative thinking and experience. These are great events, run by the best event professionals, and are a credit to the industry. We’re delighted to be giving them the recognition they deserve through NOEA.”
Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA said: “The theme of the convention during the day was ‘It Could Never Happen to Me’, and underlines how NOEA members are providing the foundation of safety and security that allows creative event professionals to flourish. The winners this year showed professionalism and creative thought, and are a credit to the industry.”
Alistair Turner, Chair of the Judging Panel said: “The standard of entries keeps getting higher and higher, which demonstrates the commitment of organisers to produce high quality event experiences. To win a NOEA award you need to be doing something really great.”