On the eve of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), Popgala NOORD traditionally presents awards celebrating the strength and diversity of northern Dutch pop culture. During this edition, ten awards will be presented: seven public awards and three honorary awards.

The public awards are presented in the categories Artist of the Year, Talent of the Year, Venue of the Year, Large Festival of the Year (more than 10,000 visitors), Small Festival of the Year (fewer than 10,000 visitors), and Talent Hub of the Year. In addition, the Pop Media Award NOORD will be presented for the first time this year.

The honorary awards are the Impact Award, Backstage Business Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Popgala NOORD is a project of NOORD, a collaboration 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, Province of Fryslân, Province of Drenthe, Province of Groningen and the Municipality of Groningen.