GRONINGEN, The Netherlands (VIP NEWS) — On Sunday the 25th edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag came to a close.
The conference and showcase festival drew in both more national and international media attention as well as a larger audience this year.
Eurosonic was broadcasted live on the radio in many European countries this year, including Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy and Sweden. Television and radio stations from across Europe visited Groningen to report on the EBBA Awards, Eurosonic and the conference.
Many Dutch media presented the EBBA Awards, Eurosonic and Noorderslag through television and radio. For the first time a large amount of performances was offered through live streams on the internet, promoted in Europe by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) radio stations.
The sold out festivals Noorderslag and Eurosonic attracted 33,000 visitors this year, 15,000 more than in 2010. The increase in visitor numbers is mainly due to the new, free of charge outdoor stage Eurosonic Air. This anniversary gift to the city of Groningen attracted 12,000 visitors.
In addition, the Wednesday was added to the festival as an extra festival day and the festival had more capacity than before. With 3,000 conference participants the European music sector was also well presented in Groningen.
Eurosonic Noorderslag has received the Medal of Honor of the City of Groningen. The municipality of Groningen has awarded the Medal for ‘outstanding merits to the Groningen community.’
Eurosonic Noorderslag initiators Peter Sikkema and Peter Smidt were also honored by the international music industry.
Representatives Yourope (the European Festival Association) and EBU (European Union Brodcasting) spoke of their appreciation for everything creative director Smidt and festival manager Sikkema have contributed to the international music sector in the past 25 years with Eurosonic Noorderslag.
The official figures for Eurosonic Noorderslag 2011 are as follows:
Festival visitors: 33,000 (sold out)
Conference visitors: 3,000 (sold out)
Nationalities: 43
Artists: 292
Journalists & Media: 187
EBU radio stations: 24
ETEP festivals: 58
International festivals: 431
Number of stages @ Eurosonic: 36
Number of stages @ Noorderslag: 10
The next edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag will be held from Wednesday, January 11 until Saturday, January 14, 2012.
