The Awards

Best Major European Festival
Some of the most famous acts in the world, tens of thousands of people and multiple arenas, the largest festivals are a regular pilgrimage for many, and a rite of passage for most. But which one is the best of the biggest?

Best Medium-Sized European Festival
In association with MegaForce
Not as large as the giants, but by no means in their shadow, these events provide a more boutique feel, and a more intimate experience. Often starting life much smaller, they have often grown to this size due to their popularity. Who will pick up the prize this year?

Best Small European Festival
Often quirky and with the charm of a personal touch figuring heavily, the cosiness and sense of community at these festivals is second to none for many people. This award celebrates those who stick to the mantra that small is best.

Best New European Festival
Once again, a handful of excellent new events were launched this year, bravely taking on those with established reputations. Bringing fresh ideas, new music and alternative audiences to the festival scene, which one have you already put in your diary for next time?

Best Indoor Festival
Using the existing infrastructure of a town’s venues, this sector is growing because there’s no need for camping, very little threat from the weather and they have ability to take place at any time of the year. Sold either on a show-by-show basis, or an all encompassing wristband, they give people chance to see multiple acts in the comfort of the indoors. Which one had you ditching green fields for the concrete jungle?

Best European Festival Line-Up *
Picking the right bill can make or break a festival – no mean feat when there are hundreds of others trying to better you. Whether it’s about securing the biggest names in the world, putting together some special collaborations, or just knowing what the audience wants and catering to it perfectly, our judges are looking for the festival which has had the most vision when booking acts.

YOUROPE Green ‘N’ Clean Festival Of The Year

Artist’s Favourite European Festival *
The group of people that has a unique insight into the festival experience is the artists. Playing in front of thousands of people as they travel from one to another, they probably see more than most do during the summer. But which one do they enjoy the most?

Best Newcomer
In association with Eurosonic Noorderslag
It’s not easy being relatively unknown on a festival bill, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to have thousands of people hear your music. With unsigned and relatively unknown acts, or just those who have been working for years with few chart hits on almost every line-up, who shone brightest for you this year?

Best Headliner
A remarkable performance by a headliner is the thing that people will talk about for years to come becoming one of those “I was there” moments. To succeed, it requires passion, energy, musicianship, dedication and creativity. Some acts may be regulars on the festival circuit, but which one stood out from the pack?

Festival Anthem of the Year
The ultimate test of any song is how it’s received live – and there’s no better place than at festivals. While thousands of great records have been lapped up by millions over the summer, a few stood out as true classics, creating defining festival moments and were sung all the way back to the campsite. Which was your fave?

Promoter Of The Year *
In association with Virtual Festivals Europe

Yourope Lifetime Achievement Award *

Except for *, all awards are voted for by fans in the following process:

• Festivals put themselves forward for inclusion in the ‘long-lists’ via an online application process.
• All festivals are entered into the Best Major, Medium-Sized or Small categories depending on their attendance, and they are also entered into niche categories where relevant, such as Best Family Festival, Best Dance Event, and so forth.
• All festivals are weighted by their attendance, to give smaller events a fair chance against ones that are much larger.
• During a six-week voting period, the fans determine the final winner in each category.
• The winners are announced and awarded at the gala Awards Ceremony on 11 January 2012.

*: Chosen by a jury of journalists and industry experts