Finalists announced for the 2026 Skiddle Awards in Blackpool

The moment you’ve all been waiting for has arrived. It’s with tremendous pleasure that we can at last announce the finalists shortlisted for one of the few accolades up for grabs at this year’s much-anticipated Skiddle Awards.

The awards ceremony, taking place in the opulent Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Thursday 30th April, will welcome some of the industry’s most reputable promotion teams and events, all of whom received nods for honours from peers and customers alike.

On compere duties throughout the evening event, an icon of British comedy, some might even say a national treasure, Sir Lenny Henry will lead the celebrations, handing out awards to those most deserving.

Guests will also be spoiled to a three-course fine-dining experience before the official awards afterparty gets underway, hosted and soundtracked by an extra special guest you won’t want to miss.

Finalists for each award and the full list of categories can be found below:

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Festivals

Family Fun in a Field

Dedicated to bringing something for everyone on the weekends, including music, games, and memories under open skies. The kind of events where family time comes first, and the music is just a bonus.

• Sollihul Summer Festival
• We Are Family Festival
• WILDHOOD Festival
• Rock the Mote
• Britfest

Most Iconic Setting

For the event where the backdrop was as unforgettable as the night itself. A stage, a skyline, a setting that lives on in memory.

• FAC51 – The Haçienda at Walton Hall & Gardens
• Freeze Bombed Out Church
• Loopallu – 2005 to 2019
• On The Beach Brighton
• Beyond The Woods

Feels Like Home for the Weekend

Great staff, great facilities, the event that wrapped you up in good vibes and belonging. The kind of place where every beat, laugh, and moment felt like home.

• Love To Be Harrogate
• Pavilion Festival
• Moovin Festival
• In It Together
• GemFest

Sounds Like Summer

For the festivals where the music defined the season. The line-ups that had us singing in fields, discovering new favourites, and dancing from dusk to dawn.

• Terminal V Festival
• Parklife Festival
• Reggage Land
• PRTY Festival
• Creamfields

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Lifestyle 

Belly Filler and Thirst Quencher

For the festivals that put flavour centre stage. Celebrating the food and drink weekends that brought people together over plates, pints, and plenty of seconds.

• The Open Arms at Warwick Castle – presented by Digbeth Dining Club
• Hagley Music Festival
• Feast On Festival
• Feasty Fest

The One That Made the Family Smile

For the lifestyle events that made every generation happy. Days out filled with fun, laughter, and moments worth remembering together.

• Highest Point Big Family Day Out
• Northampton Balloon Festival
• Comedy at the Castle
• Teach Rex
• Girlypop

Memorable Seasonal Activity

For the event that captured the season – festive sparkle, summer traditions, or autumn magic. The dates that shaped the calendar in unforgettable ways.

• The Enchanted Pumpkin Patch – Dudley
• Newsham Scream Park – Liverpool
• Betley Fireworks – Crewe
• Spooktacular – Glasgow
• Oktoberfest – Nottingham

Get up, Stand Out

For the nights that turned entertainment into an art form – the bingo halls, comedy clubs, and sports that gave us more than a night out: they gave us a reason to dress up, show up and have a great time.

• Good Times Comedy Gala
• Creatures Comedy Club
• Ultimate Rave Bingo
• Gorilla Promotions
• Bingo Lingo

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Clubs

Venue That You Remember the Most

For the spaces that became part of your story. Clubs, halls, and hidden gems that live forever in memory.

• The Warehouse Project – Manchester
• 24 Kitchen Street – Liverpool
• Joshua Brooks – Manchester
• SWG3 – Glasgow
• Lab11 – Birmingham

Wish You Were Here?

For the nights that took us overseas and blew us away. Celebrating Europe’s event experiences that delivered world-class music, energy or adventure.

• Breakin Science Amsterdam Weekender 2025
• The Jungle Weekender – Amsterdam
• Higher Love Malta
• Terminal V Croatia
• STREETrave Ibiza

The One That Kept Us Dancing

For the event that just wouldn’t stop – day or night – the energy was endless, amazing production, the beats unstoppable, and the crowd never ready to go home.

• Circus – Sonny Fodera Liverpool
• Teletech: London @ The Cause
• DNB Collective – Birmingham
• Funkademia – Manchester
• Shangri-La – Bristol
• Fearfest – Sheffield

Breakthrough Club Events of the Year

For the events that came out of nowhere and changed the game – new promoters, fresh energy, and crowds that couldn’t stop talking. The ones that proved a great idea and a great vibe can build a movement.

• Cru2 – Birmingham and national
• DISFUNCTION – Glasgow
• Nowhere – Manchester
• Ambers – Manchester
• Testbed – Leeds

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Live

Memories of the Future

For the moments when you saw greatness before it was cool. Celebrating grassroots venues where tomorrow’s big names first stepped into the spotlight.

• The Black Prince – Northampton
• Hare & Hounds – Birmingham
• The Continental – Preston
• Jacaranda – Liverpool

I Lost My Voice in That Place

The event where music took hold so hard you couldn’t help but sing, shout, and roar. The nights where passion outlasted your vocal cords.

• Engine Room – Southampton
• The Cavern Club – Liverpool
• Electric Brixton – London
• PILGRIM – Newcastle

Venue That You Remember the Most

For the spaces that became part of your story. Pubs, halls, and hidden gems that live forever in memory.

• Camp and Furnace – Liverpool
• Old Fire Station – Carlisle
• Unit 9 – Milton Keynes
• McChullis – Glasgow
• The Ferret – Preston

On The Road Again

For the tours that took the music further – city to city, night after night – creating moments that stuck with us long after the final show.

• Worried about Henry presents Chase and Status tour
• Geestar Empire – Sean Paul & Ashanti Tour
• UB40 ft Ali Campbell – Kilimanjaro
• This Feeling – The Rosadocs Tour

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Voting Is Now Open!

Have your say on who takes home the crown in each category.

👉 Vote now: skiddle25.com/vote

Now is the time to book your tickets. If you’re one of our finalists, please refer to your acknowledgement email for your discount code.

Didn’t make the shortlist but still want to be in the room for one of the standout industry gatherings of 2026? Grab your tickets at the bottom of the page, and get a discounted stay in Blackpool at one of our partner hotels listed below:

Boulevard Hotel

Address: Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool FY4 1PL
Enter Code – SKIDDLE25

Hampton by Hilton

Address: 595-601 New South Promenade, Blackpool, FY4 1NG
Click HERE to book with a discount added.