Organisers of the ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) conference and showcase festival have said the 39th edition was a phenomenal success, with festival tickets sold out.

The event in Groningen, The Netherlands, was attended by 40,000 people, with 333 grassroots European acts from 33 countries performing live. The 15-18 January event also saw more than 500 industry professionals take part in conference panels, keynote sessions and workshops.

Alongside sessions exploring issues such as dynamic pricing, marketing to Gen Z, the impact of AI, tech innovations and the impact of rising costs on the festival industry, AAA led a session exploring what far flung festival operators are doing, in often challenging circumstances, to drive environmental sustainability and inspire social change.

The event, which utilised venues across the city including the Oosterpoort conference centre, included the 2024 European Festival Awards, which saw festivals from more than 30 countries participate, and over 300,000 single votes cast by the public. Among the winners were EXIT Festival, Hellfest, Montreux Jazz Festival, We Love Green and Open’er Festival (full list below).

ESNS MD Anna van Nunen expressed satisfaction with the success of the 39th edition: “From intimate venue showcases to major performances at De Oosterpoort’s main stage, and through inspiring sessions at the ESNS Conference, we’ve seen how our European music ecosystem thrives when properly supported – connecting grassroots venues with international talent agents, major festivals with sustainability experts, and emerging talent with industry professionals.

“To maintain this momentum, we must support the fundamentals: the rehearsal spaces, the small venues, and the talent development programmes across Europe. ESNS continues to show that when we invest in music’s foundations, we create both cultural and economic prosperity.”

The European Festival Awards 2024 winners

The Take a Stand Award – EXIT Festival, RS

Line-Up of the Year – Hellfest, FR

The Event Safety Award – Timișoara – Capital of Culture, RO

Agent of the Year – Anna Bewers, Wasserman Music

Best Small Festival – Gladiolen Festival, BE

Newcomer of the Year – Benson Boone, US

The Brand Activation Award – Lowlands & IKEA, NL

Best Medium Sized Festival – Montreux Jazz Festival, CH

The Green Operations Award – We Love Green, FR

Best Major Festival – Open’er Festival, PL

The Award for Excellence and Passion – Vlad Yaremchuk & Music Saves Ukraine, UA

Promoter of the Year – Gadget Entertainment Group, CH

New Kid on the Block 2024 – Filip Košťálek, Colours Of Ostrava, CZ

Lifetime Achievement Award – Juhani Merimaa, FI

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