Gladiolen named Best Small Festival at European awards

Gladiolen, held in Olen, Antwerp province, has been named Best Small Festival at the European Festival Awards. The announcement was made during the awards ceremony on Wednesday at the Eurosonic Noorderslag music conference in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Gladiolen was recognised for its “vision of social connection and volunteer engagement”. The festival operates with a core team of around 14 volunteers, supported by various working groups drawn from local associations. 

“The profits are distributed among these associations,” said Lode Bellens from Gladiolen. “This allows us to keep ticket prices low for our audience. We’re proud to demonstrate that a festival can be both accessible and affordable while maintaining high quality. It’s gratifying to receive international recognition for our efforts.”

In other categories, the Polish Open’er Festival was named Best Major Festival, where Belgium’s Rock Werchter was also nominated. Hellfest in France won the award for Best Line-up, with both Pukkelpop and Rock Werchter in contention. The Best Medium-Sized Festival accolade went to Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival.

Gladiolen attracts approximately 9,000 visitors each year. Its 25th edition, set to take place on 6 and 7 June, has sold out. The line-up includes acts such as Goldband, Brihang, Goose, Equal Idiots and MEAU.

 

#FlandersNewsService | Illustration photo shows a crowd at Rock Werchter festival © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR

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