Background of Popgala NOORD

How did Popgala NOORD originate? Popgala NOORD was established in 2019 to promote pop culture and the music industry in Northern Netherlands. The event, held on the eve of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), brings together talent, organizations, and enthusiasts at the Grand Theatre in Groningen.

The gala is a collaboration between Northern pop organizations, municipalities, schools, and other cultural institutions. Popgala Noord is made possible by NOORD (a collaboration between ESNS, Noordstaat, Popfabryk, POPGroningen, and Stichting Kunst & Cultuur with support from Fonds Podiumkunsten, We the North, and the Cultuurfonds). In addition to the prestigious awards ceremony, visitors are treated to live performances by artists from Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. This makes Popgala NOORD not only a moment of recognition but also a celebration of musical creativity.

Popgala Noord Awards 2025

Each year, the gala presents awards, including:

• Public Awards Popgala Noord:
  • Best Artist
  • Best Talent
  • Best Venue
  • Best Festival

• Honorary Awards Popgala Noord: Categories vary each year, but awards such as Inclusive Initiative of the Year, Backstage Business Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award are recurring.

Facts About Popgala Noord

The first edition in 2019 featured Kraantje Pappie as the winner of Best Artist, setting the stage for an impressive event. Popgala NOORD has served as a springboard for many artists. Winners such as Hannah Mae (Best Artist 2025) began their journey to national fame on this stage. The event is also known for surprise performances by renowned names, such as the special act by Kraantje Pappie during an earlier edition.

Winners Popgala NOORD 2025

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the latest edition of Popgala NOORD took place at the Grand Theatre. Eight awards were presented:

Public Award Winners Popgala Noord 2025:

• Small Festival of the Year: Terug naar het Begin (discover music, art, and theater in the enchanting churches of the Groningen Wieden landscape)
• Large Festival of the Year: Hello Festival (Emmen)
• Venue of the Year: Simplon (the musical meeting place of Groningen since 1976)
• Talent of the Year: Isabèl Usher, known for the song "Ik kom weer thuis" (2022)
• Artist of the Year: Hannah Mae, became known with the song "Back to You" and won this public award with 69.5% of the votes

Honorary Award Winners Popgala Noord 2025:

• Backstage Business Award: CNTRL-Productions (Drachten)
• Inclusive Initiative of the Year: GigaGfestival (Pesse)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Jan Stam, has been dedicated to pop music in Northern Netherlands for nearly 50 years, working at Pop Drenthe, Stichting Kunst & Cultuur, and introduced acts like SKIK. He facilitated Drenthe acts at Eurosonic and initiated Hit the North (preparing Northern musical talent for a professional career!) and Music Hub NOORD, originating from Noordstaat

The gala was an evening of recognition and a festive celebration with performances by Northern Dutch artists and a vibrant atmosphere.