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Popgala NOORD 2026

Popgala NOORD is the award show for the music industry in Northern Netherlands.

De Vegafabriek, Pitfest, TT Festival, Lisa Ploeger, TikTok Tammo and The Bake Shop win public awards – the first-ever Pop Media Prize NOORD awarded to Jacob Haagsma.

On the eve of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), awards are traditionally presented in honour of the Northern Dutch pop sector during Popgala NOORD. During the eighth edition of Popgala NOORD, on Tuesday 13 January 2026 at the Grand Theatre in Groningen, the winners of the public awards and the Pop Media Prize NOORD were announced. Makers, venues, festivals, creative hubs and media from Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen gathered to celebrate the strength and diversity of Northern Dutch pop culture.

Winners of the Popgala NOORD 2026 Public Awards

Over the past weeks, audiences cast a large number of votes for the public awards. In each category, the public could choose from three nominees, selected by the Popgala NOORD jury.

The winners of the public awards are:

  • Venue of the Year: De Vegafabriek (Drenthe)
  • Small Festival of the Year: Pitfest (Drenthe)
  • Large Festival of the Year: TT Festival (Drenthe)
  • Talent of the Year: Lisa Ploeger (Drenthe)
  • Artist of the Year: TikTok Tammo (Groningen)
  • Creative Hub of the Year: The Bake Shop (Drenthe)

Pop Media Prize NOORD – Winner Announced

This year, Popgala NOORD introduced the Pop Media Prize NOORD for the very first time. This new award, initiated by ESNS, recognises Northern Dutch pop journalism and media in the broadest sense of the word.

The winner of the Pop Media Prize NOORD 2026 is Jacob Haagsma.

More information about the winners, nominees and jury reports can be found on the current Popgala NOORD page.

Honorary Awards – Popgala NOORD

Earlier, the organisation announced the winners of the three honorary awards:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Pé & Rinus
    According to the jury, Pé & Rinus have been of immeasurable value to Northern Dutch pop culture for decades. With their distinctive humour, use of the Groninger language and strong sense of connection, they have become cultural heritage for multiple generations.
  • Backstage Business Award – Vixen Design
    The jury praises Vixen Design for their essential contribution behind the scenes of the pop sector. With striking productions and a strong vision on stage and festival design, they have become an indispensable link within the live production chain.
  • Impact Award – Lab Vlieland
    Lab Vlieland receives the Impact Award for its innovative and future-oriented approach within the (pop) event sector. Through circular solutions and smart energy systems, the organisation inspires the industry both regionally and nationally.

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Popgala NOORD Jury

Joey Ruchtie (jury chair, ESNS), Sander Ten Bosch (Bevrijdingsfestival Drenthe), Natalie Straatman (Schouwburg Ogterop), Anke Tjoelker (Neushoorn), Daan Snijders (Bank Bookings), Cora Ziengs (DJ) and Andries van Wieren (3S Management).

Pop Media Prize NOORD Jury

Evert van Dijk (Mediahuis), Bianca Harms (NHL Stenden), Dion ten Heggeler (Chordify) and Peter Sikkema (ESNS).

About Popgala NOORD

Popgala NOORD is a project by NOORD, a collaborative initiative between ESNS, Noordstaat, Popfabryk, POPgroningen and Stichting Kunst & Cultuur, with support from Fonds Podiumkunsten, We the North and the Cultuurfonds. Popgala NOORD is made possible by Platform Popcultuur Fryslân, CrossWise, the Province of Fryslân, the Province of Drenthe, the Province of Groningen and the Municipality of Groningen.