PopgalaNoord_GrandTheatre_CasperMaas_CMA5969

Popgala NOORD

Popgala NOORD is the award show for pop culture of the Northern part of the Netherlands. Especially the three provinces Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen.

Popgala NOORD 2026

On the eve of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), awards are traditionally presented during Popgala NOORD in celebration of the northern Dutch pop music sector. On Tuesday 13 January 2026, makers, venues, festivals, talent hubs and media from Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen will come together at the Grand Theatre in Groningen.

Popgala NOORD is a collective celebration of the strength and diversity of northern Dutch pop culture. This year, ten awards will be presented, including public awards, honorary awards, and a new media award.

Per category, the public can vote for one of three nominees.

Cast your vote via the official page

Voting closes on Monday 12 January at 12:00 PM.

Nominees

Venue of the Year

  • De Walrus (Groningen)
  • De Vegafabriek (Drenthe)
  • Iduna (Friesland)

Small Festival of the Year (fewer than 10,000 visitors)

  • WinSUMMERfest (Groningen)
  • Pitfest (Drenthe)
  • Mukpop (Friesland)

Large Festival of the Year (more than 10,000 visitors)

  • Hullabaloo (Groningen)
  • TT Festival (Drenthe)
  • Brêgepop Festival (Friesland)

Talent of the Year

  • GP UIT G (Groningen)
  • Lisa Ploeger (Drenthe)
  • Mayte (Friesland)

Artist of the Year

  • TikTok Tammo (Groningen)
  • Skroetbalg (Drenthe)
  • Maha Eljak (Friesland)

Talent Hub of the Year

  • Moshpit of Creation (Groningen)
  • The Bake Shop (Drenthe)
  • Hit The North (Northern Netherlands)

Jury

The Popgala NOORD jury consists of Joey Ruchtie (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).