FESTIVAL AWARDS EUROPE ANNOUNCE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Leif Skov, one of the founders of Denmark's Roskilde Festival, is set to be honored with the 'Yourope Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Festival Awards Europe ceremony on Wednesday 12th January for his work at Roskilde and across the European festival industry. 

Each year the prize is dedicated to an individual whose personal vision and energy has propelled the entire festival industry forward in a dynamic, creative and positive way.

Leif joined Roskilde Festival in 1972 - the second year it was held - and was involved with the event until he stepped back in 2002, transforming from a small festival into one of the most prestigious in the world, which has seen performances from the likes of Bob Dylan, Metallica, Neil Young, Prince, U2 and hundreds more.

On being chosen for the Award, Leif Skov says: "Music is great. The world is everything. I'm just me. Young people's lives and visions carry the highest challenge and motivation for us all. It's a pleasure to work for these. I'm thankful and humble. I receive the award still in service of the music, in respect for youth culture, and with the greatest care for young people of the world."

Leif was also a founding member of European festival association, Yourope, and was a board member from 1998-2002 - playing a key role in creating a better, safer festival industry for everyone.

Christof Huber, Yourope general secretary, says, "I was lucky enough to be with Leif on the founding board of Yourope. He was and still is a visionary. His primary goal was always to raise the quality standards for European Festivals - not just for Roskilde. He wanted to give festival-goers the best possible experience. He is one of the biggest characters in the history of European Festivals!"

Speaking about the honour, James Drury Managing Director of Festival Awards said: "Since becoming involved with the legendary Roskilde Festival at its beginnings, Leif has dedicated his life to festivals and festival-goers. Not only did he develop one of the most internationally recognised events in the world, but since he left Roskilde nine years ago, he has continued to give his incredible knowledge and experience to the industry to improve it for everyone. This is why he is so deserving of this prestigious award."

What the Industry says about Leif's achievement;

"On behalf of the 30,000 volunteers and the employed staff at Roskilde Festival, I wholeheartedly congratulate Leif with this prestigious award. I can't think of many others who deserve the award as much as Leif does. He's been a major part of starting up Roskilde Festival. Leif is still going strong in the event business - that's what he excels in!" Henrik Rasmussen, managing director/CEO, Roskilde Festival

"Leif was always one of my favourite promoters to deal with while he was at Roskilde. As the leading light of such a major festival he had a real position of power, but I never saw him abuse it. In fact it was almost the opposite. Leif is one of the great characters of the live business and someone who has made a real impact during his career." Martin Hopewell, Primary Talent International

Last year's winner of the award was Pinkpop's Jan Smeets (The Netherlands)

Other Awards decided by industry jury are: YOUROPE Green 'N' Clean Festival Of The Year, Artist's Favourite European Festival and Promoter of the Year.  These will be announced on the night alongside other awards including; Best Major Festival, Best Line Up and Best Headliner with live acts and aftershow party. 

The Festival Awards Europe gala ceremony, presented by YOUROPE and Virtual Festivals Europe, will take place on Wednesday 12th January 2011 at Groningen's Stadsschouwburg in The Netherlands, as part of the 25th Anniversary edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag.