Knebworth music festival Sonisphere is still in the running for two major industry awards.
Although dates for any Sonisphere 2015 extravaganza have yet to be announced, this summer’s three-day rock bash in the grounds of Knebworth House could win two categories at the prestigious UK Festival Awards 2014.
The votes have been counted and the Hertfordshire leg of the international touring rock and metal event has made the shortlist in the public-voted Best Major Festival and Best Headliner sections.
In the category for festivals with a daily capacity of 40,000 plus, Sonisphere is up against Bestival, British Summer Time Hyde Park, Creamfields, last year’s winners Download, Glastonbury, GlobalGathering, Isle of Wight, Reading & Leeds, T in the Park, V Festival and Wireless.
Sonisphere 2014’s Friday night headliners The Prodigy will contest the Headline Performance of the Year.
The festival’s following two nights were headlined by Iron Maiden and Metallica, as Knebworth House celebrated 40 years of hosting major outdoor rock events.
Also shortlisted for the headliner gong are Arcade Fire at Glastonbury, Arctic Monkeys at Reading & Leeds, Biffy Clyro at T In The Park, Foals at Bestival, Kasabian at Glastonbury, The Killers at V Festival, The Libertines at British Summer Time, Linkin Park at Download, Metallica at Glastonbury, Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Isle Of Wight, and Suede at Kendal Calling.
Now in its 11th year, more than 700,000 votes were cast in the awards by the British festival-going public.
The winners will be announced on stage at the UK Festival Awards gala ceremony, which returns to The Roundhouse in London on Monday, December 1.
Steve Jenner, awards founder and director, said: “The response to this year’s awards, not only from fans, but also from more festivals applying to take part than ever before, has been exceptional this year – a positive sign that industry confidence, backed by public passion is surging in 2014.
“It sets the tone for an extra special celebration at The Roundhouse in a few weeks’ time.”
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