Renfrewshire Council

E Awards ceremony 2024 It's another trophy in cabinet this week for our Halloween extravaganza, named 'Best Large Festival' at this year's E Awards at the O2 in Edinburgh.

The E Awards recognise the top performers in the events and festival industry throughout Scotland and showcases the remarkable accomplishments and resilience of those who contribute to the nation's most celebrated events. 

It's an eminent accolade for our colleagues who fended off fierce competition in their category from The Royal Highland Show, Glasgow International Piping Festival - Piping Live! and Eaglesham Beer Festival.

Pauline Allan, our events manager, is proud to be part of the talented team who work year-round to deliver new and thrilling experiences for visitors.

She said, "What makes the festival so special for people is that it's unique and free with community engagement at its heart.

"We collaborate with many partners, from professional artists to businesses, community groups and young people. And each year, the aim is to deliver something truly spectacular, using every available space in Paisley town centre so audiences are surprised at every turn.

"It takes lots of creative flair and patience in equal measure, and it's wonderful to have our efforts recognised by industry experts."

The festival has played a crucial role in Paisley's cultural resurgence and has been gaining popularity every year. In 2023, the three-day gothic-themed event attracted over 50,000 people bringing a £1.5million boost to the local economy.

Festival-goers were treated to a range of amazing sights such as giant inflatable monsters, an aerial circus featuring witches and coffins flying high above Paisley Abbey, performances by Cirque Bijou and an immersive theatre trail inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Raven'.

Head of Marketing and Communications, Louisa Mahon recognised the collaboration  and commented: "I am incredibly proud of the team and extend my thanks to our colleagues across the council who support us and work very hard to make sure Paisley's Halloween is best in Scotland. It is a council-wide, full town effort."

The E Awards is the latest win for Halloween which was previously named 'Best Cultural Event or Festival' by VisitScotland at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2019/2020.

Image: E Awards host Grant Stott and sponsor present trophy to Renfrewshire Council events team. From left to right: Grant Stott, events manager Pauline Allan, marketing manager Joanne Quinn, Cirque bijou Creative Director of Paisley Halloween Festival 2023, Julian Bracey and Suzi Maciver commissioning and creative events lead, event sponsor.

Published Wednesday 01 May 2024