Guelph's Hillside music festival awarded Small Festival of the Year

Guelph's Hillside festival was named Small Festival of the Year at this year's Canadian Live Music Industry Awards. (Hillside Festival - image credit)

Hillside Festival in Guelph is being recognized nationally after being named the Small Festival of the Year.

The award was announced June 4 in Toronto at the Canadian Live Music Industry Awards.

Kate Johnston is the executive director of Hillside and says she was thrilled to hear the news.

"The Canadian Live Music Industry Awards are awarded by industry peers, so other festival organizers and people who work with festivals. So we were thrilled that we were first recognized as a nomination but then awarded the award itself," said Johnston.

She adds the honour is extremely rewarding because of Hillside's unique approach to festivals.

"What we bring is wanting to celebrate the best of Canadian and international music, but also really bringing that community atmosphere to the festival and environmental sustainability to the forefront," Johnston explained.

"We are one of the greenest festivals in Canada and we really have activities that are available for the whole family."

Along with music, the festival also features an Indigenous circle, artisan craft vendors and international food options.

LISTEN | Hillside Festival reveals 2024 lineup

This year marks the 41st anniversary of Hillside. It's happening July 19-21 at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area.

Johnston says attendees can expect over 60 musical acts features across five stages, body and wellness workshops, and a full roster of children's entertainment.