The pride of Mid-Ulster, Glasgowbury has been voted top in the Best Service award and Best Family Award categories by you, the fans.

The awards, set up to acknowledge the best of Ireland's vibrant music scene, recognise everyone from the mega festivals of Oxegen and Electric Picnic right down to the toilet providers.

Online voting took place throughout January and February and fans were asked to vote for their favourite festival, favorite acts and services from a number of choices.

Glasgowbury was running against some of the biggest festivals and concerts in the country but still managed to attract the largest number of votes for two of the best awards going.

Organiser Paddy Glasgow told the MAIL that it was an 'absolute honour' to be recognised - the awards bringing with it a sense of pride for the festival and the local community alike.

"It's brilliant to be recognised in league with so many other great festivals," he said.

"The Best Service and Best Family awards mean so much to Glasgowbury and show that we have firmly put Mid-Ulster on the map.

"To be recognised after nine years of hard work is testament to the dedication of the Glasgowbury committee, the local community and everyone involved - there's so many people doing good things for the festival and I want to thank them all," he said.

While the awards are proof of the invaluable work Glasgowbury is doing for the music community in Ireland, Paddy is also proud that the festival has boosted the image of Mid-Ulster, enhancing its tourism appeal and its standing with the community.

"It gives the festival a great boost and considering we are bringing thousands of people into Mid-Ulster every year for the best that music across the UK has to offer, it's also something which enhances the appeal of the area to the outside world."

Glasgowbury has also celebrated knowing it's the only independent festival recognised by the awards.

"It's all about the level and standard of music we provide," said Paddy.
"If we look at the acts who have come to play the festival over the years - In Case Of Fire, Fighting With Wire, General Fiasco, And So I Watch You From Afar, Oppenheimer - they're all going on to some great things, showing that the music scene here is packed full of talent and promise and to be a part of that is just fantastic."

But it doesn't stop there for Glasgowbury. After securing Ash to headline the festival in 2008, 2009 is already shaping up to be the most vibrant year yet for the local homegrown music provider.

The festival has continued to grow from strength to strength and with Saturday 25th July fast approaching, fans, bands and music lovers alike will be waiting with baited breath for news.

Details of the festival, line-up and ticket details will be announced in the coming months - watch this space for news.