A FESTIVAL in Cheshire is looking to win a national award.
Deva Fest is in contention to be named the ‘best small’ and ‘best family’ festival at the UK Festival Awards.
The awards, returning for their 18th year, will be hosted at Escape to Freight Island in Manchester later this year.
Phil Marston, founder of Deva Fest, said: “We created Deva Fest with family at the forefront.
“It was important we created a space that was accessible to all, from the music to the entertainment and the facilities, we wanted everyone to enjoy a true authentic festival experience.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our Deva fans who continue to support us, and we’re continuing to evolve our festival to raise the bar year on year and meet the needs of our guests.”
READ MORE: Family-friendly festival to return to historic venue following surge in attendance
The shortlist for the awards will be decided by online fan votes, which are then weighted according to audience size.
As such, Deva Fest is looking for the public’s support in their bid to win the pair of prizes.
Mr Marston added: “It would be a real honour to win an award at the coveted UK Festival Awards.
“To be recognised as the best family festival, or the best small festival, would be a huge triumph and we need the help of our fans now more than ever to make the shortlist.”
The awards come following the announcement that Deva Fest will return to Cholmondeley Castle next summer.
This year’s edition of the festival saw more than 15,000 tickets sold.
And 2024 is expected to be even bigger, with a new campsite being provided to accommodate more weekend guests.
While nothing has been announced, Mr Marston said discussions are underway with potential acts.
He said: “We’re delighted to see our selection of artists and entertainment is reaching further afield and putting Cheshire on the festival map.
“We have a few tricks up our sleeve for next year and exciting conversations already in the pipeline to really take 2024’s festival up a notch.”
Voting for the UK Festival Awards is open now, on the awards’ website.
The 2023 shortlist will be announced on October 26, with voting closing three days before.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here