SAMPHIRE Festival scooped up an award at the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) awards ceremony in Bath last week.

The awards hosted at Bath's Pump Rooms saw the festival win the Best Small Festival award which was presented by Glastonbury founder, Micheal Eavis.

The judges said: "This event was crowd funded and held for the first time this year.

" It really understood its market."

Founders Flora Blathwayt and Josh Beauchamp were thrilled to win the award after receiving two nominations earlier this year and got the chance to meet and be presented with their award by the Glastonbury founder.

Co-founder of the festival, Flora Blathwayt said: “When we heard our name read out we were both so shocked and happy, all I can really remember though is Michael Eavis hugging us when we got off the stage.

"It was a pretty special moment I hope I never forget.”

Flora Blatwhayt and her co-founder Josh Beauchamp were also key note speakers at the event talking about their journey to success last year Mr Eavis was also presented with an award to celebrate his 40 years of inspiration to outdoor events to a standing ovation.

Richard Limb, NOEA President, presented Mr Eavis with the award.

He said: "Thanks to him Glastonbury stands as one of this country's greatest achievements. Michael has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the life and the culture of this country. And when it comes to staging outdoor events he has led the way."

The event was also attended by MP for Wells,James Heappey, who is also chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the UK Events Industry.

The co-founders have not yet unveiled many details of next year's festival but are sure that they wish continue their journey to success.

Next year’s Samphire Festival will take place from the 7 to the 9 July 2017.

The three day knees-up will introduce Sunday Funday, with more music, more people, more venues, more day-time activities and quirky workshops for visitors to enjoy.

The last few remaining ‘early worm’ tickets to Samphire 2017 are available on their website samphirefestival.com