Rox could scoop award

The Rox Music and Arts Free Festival is in the running to be short-listed for two UK Festival Awards 2010.

The event has been nominated for two accolades, the Grass Roots and the Best Medium-Sized festival.

Rox founder Steve Goodheart said: "It is superb after all these years of putting on the festival, which is on a par with the professional festivals, Rox is getting the recognition it deserves."

He added: "To us it doesn't matter where we come in the poll, we are just bowled over by the fact that someone has put us in the running.

"The nominations came out of the blue, but we are really grateful to whoever it was."

This year's 20th anniversary Rox attracted 35,000 music lovers '“ making it a huge success.

Mr Goodheart said: "The feedback from this year's festival has been fantastic.

"Not just from the crowds but from the volunteers sponsors and the acts."

Band Samtana, who performed on the Sunday at the Arena Stage, were full of praise for the festival.

A band spokesman said: "The guys in Samtana really enjoyed the chance to play for you. The Rox has a great vibe and all the volunteers are very nice and helpful. You all do an amazing job."

The Soul Suspects, who performed after Samtana, said: "The whole thing was brilliantly run by such a friendly and helpful bunch, we were really bowled over.

"The guys were just the best '“ helpful, polite and good at their job, as were all the backstage crew."

The dates for next year's music extravaganza have been announced as July 23 and 24 and preparations are already under way.

Mr Goodheart said: "Putting on a festival of this size is a huge task and it is not something that can be done alone.

"We are all really grateful to everyone who contributes; volunteers, backstage crew, sponsors, acts and, of course, the crowd.

"Without their support and help we would not be able to continue."

As both awards are voted for by fans, Rox organisers are urging everyone to vote.

To register your vote visit www.festivalawards.com

Short-lists for the second round of voting are now being drawn up.

Awards will be presented at the UK Festival Awards and Conference during the British Music Experience at the O2 Arena on November 18.