The Open'er music Festival, held in Gdynia on the Baltic coast, has been voted “Best Major European Festival”.

The jury verdict was announced in Groningen, The Netherlands, on the opening night of the 25th anniversary edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag. 

Open’er won the prestigious title for the second consecutive year.  The 2010 edition of the event featured Pearl Jam, The Dead Weather, Kasabian, Grace Jones, Pavement and Klaxons. This year’s Open’er, scheduled for 30 June – 3 July, will mark the 10th anniversary of the event.

‘Tauron Nowa Muzyka – New Music’ Festival in the Silesian capital of Katowice has also won the award in the ‘Best Small European Festival’ category. Last year, it attracted Lou Rhodes, Prefuse 73 with Poland’s Aukso Orchestra, Jaga Jazzist, Autechre and Moderat.

European Festival Awards are given to event organisers and performing artists that generate billions of euros for local economies and brighten up the summer season for millions of fans. More than 350,000 votes were cast by fans to decide the 2010 winners. (mk)