The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has revealed details of this year’s winners of the Independent Festival Awards at a packed-out ceremony at DEPOT in Cardiff.
This year, Secret Garden Party Founder Freddie Fellowes was the recipient of the inaugural Pioneer Award following his dedication to inspiring the UK festival scene with its participatory approach for 13 years. Other winners included, Greenbelt Festival who won the second Act of Independence’ award for Amal and their new Muslim artistry venue and programme and their focus on Palestinian festival programming.
Paul Reed, General Manager of the AIF commented: “The Independent Festival Awards was an outstanding celebration. 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. As we look towards the next phase of the Congress and Sheffield in 2018, this has topped off a phenomenal four years in Cardiff ”
The Independent Festival Awards winners of 2017 are below:
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 (in association with NCASS) – Happy Maki
New Festival on the Block – Aespia
Act of Independence – Greenbelt Festival
Pioneer Award: Freddie Fellowes – Secret Garden Party
AIF is the UK’s leading festival representational body. Founded in 2008, the AIF operates as an autonomous division of the Association of Independent Music and has its own board and governance structure. The combined attendance of AIF’s member events exceeds 600,000 contributing over £200m to the UK economy every year.
AIF counts 65 member events including some of the most successful, exciting and groundbreaking festivals in the country. Members range from the 1,500-capacity Barn on the Farm to the 60,000 capacity Boomtown Fair and include the likes of Bestival, Shambala, Victorious, End of the Road, Festival No.6, Kendal Calling just to name a few.
