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

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

The Morning Edition - K-W9:26Hillside Festival set to reveal lineup

The 41st instalment of Guelph's Hillside Festival is ready to roll for this coming July. Kate Johnston is the executive director of Hillside Festival...this will be her first summer in that role. She gives a sneak peak at some of the singer-songwriters set to hit the Hillside stage this summer.

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.