Two music festivals held in Gwynedd have won prizes at the National Outdoor Events Association’s (NOEA) annual awards.
The Production Partnership award went to Gwynedd Council and BBC Radio 1 for the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend.
Radio 1’s flagship live event was held in the grounds of the Faenol estate in May 2010. The two-day festival attracted 40,000 revellers from across the UK to see performances from some of the most well-known national and international pop acts such as Alicia Keys, Tinie Tempah, Cheryl Cole, Florence and the Machine and Justin Bieber.
Gwynedd Council staff from various departments, led by the Economy and Community Service, worked closely with the BBC to ensure the success of the event. It is hoped that having the world’s eyes and ears on the area will help to attract further major national and international events to Gwynedd.
The fourth annual Gwyl Gardd Goll scooped the award in the Small Event of the Year category.
The event, which translates as the Lost Garden Festival, was also held at the Faenol in July 2010 and offered people of all ages a chance to enjoy contemporary music in the unique open-air atmosphere of natural surroundings. The festival also boasted stalls and art workshops.
Hundreds of people were drawn to the alternative festival, which featured the talents of acts including Race Horses, Meic Stevens, Mr Huw and Yr Ods.
Councillor Dyfed Edwards, Leader of Gwynedd Council, said:
“We are delighted that two festivals held here in Gwynedd have been given these important awards. It is testament that Gwynedd can host all sorts of festivals and cultural events and cater to all tastes. It goes without saying how important the economic benefits of hosting such events are to the area.
“From smaller more intimate gatherings to major events which draw in thousands of people – Gwynedd has proven itself able to draw on its natural resources and use people’s talents to create the right atmosphere, whatever the occasion.
“The NOEA judging panel praised these two events for the quality of their offer, good all round management skills, together with sound working practises and strong partnerships, which deliver two very high quality events worthy of these prestigious awards.”
NOEA is the UK’s leading outdoor events trade association, with around 500 members, which aims to promote education, networking, lobbying, advice and business opportunities within the industry.
