This year, the Somerset music and arts extravaganza hosted U2, Coldplay and Beyonce as headline acts. Last year the best major festival prize went to Bestival, which this year won the fans’ favourite award at this year’s ceremony, hosted last night at the Roundhouse in Camden. The three-day festival on the Isle of Wight is organised by Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank and this year the line-up included Bjork, The Cure, Pendulum, Kelis and Public Enemy. MD of the Festival Awards Ltd, James Drury, said: “Hundreds of thousands of votes were cast for over the 200 events which took part across the UK, demonstrating just how passionate people are about festivals. “Everyone involved – not just the winners – should be rightly proud of what they’ve achieved in a year has been more challenging than others.” The title of breakthrough artist went to Ed Sheeran, who beat Jessie J and The Vaccines with his summer appearances. Sonisphere, held at Knebworth House, snared the best line-up prize after they hosted Biffy Clyro, Slipknot and Metallica. Cambridgeshire’s Secret Garden Party won the best medium-sized festival prize and Dorset’s End of the Road got best small festival. Y-Not festival in Dorset won two awards, as the best “grass roots” festival and the best toilets award. The best overseas festival went to Outlook in Croatia.
