Why industry experts and fans think Tramlines in Sheffield is the best festival of its kind

Tramlines won in the ‘best metropolitan festival’ category at the UK Festival Awards, which have been running for the past decade-and-a-half.

The prize, presented at a ceremony in London, was decided by a combination of online fan votes and a panel of industry experts.

Public vote results were incorporated into the final judging process and were given the same weighting as a single judge’s vote.

Tramlines - which won the same award in 2011 - was held in Hillsborough Park for a second time in July. Courteeners, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Two Door Cinema Club headlined a bill that also featured Manic Street Preachers, Doves, Johnny Marr and Happy Mondays.

The festival started as a free, council-supported event in the city centre in 2009, but moved to Hillsborough in 2018 to accommodate bigger crowds and satisfy demand for higher-profile acts.

“Thankyou all so much for the votes,” Tramlines bosses wrote on Twitter. “Here’s to 2020.”

Parklife, at Heaton Park in Manchester, won the award for best line-up. George Ezra, Christine and the Queens and Solange were among its diverse 2019 bill.

Rock festival Download, at Donington Park in Leicestershire, was named best major festival. Tramlines had been shortlisted in this category too.

Tickets for Tramlines 2020, which will happen over the weekend of July 31 to August 2, are already on sale here. People who buy before Christmas can receive a free winter scarf.