TWO Somerset event organisers said they are ‘over the moon’ after being shortlisted for four National Outdoor Events Association Awards (NOEA).

Bev and Sarah Milner-Simonds from eat:Festivals have been shortlisted in the Best Practice, Event of the Year, Event Organiser of the Year and Event Team of the Year at the awards which recognise outdoor events across the country.

The couple, who live in Burnham-on-Sea, organise food and drink festivals in towns across Somerset including Taunton, Crewkerne and Burnham-on-Sea.

Bev Milner Simonds from eat:Festivals, said: “We are over the moon to be recognised for our efforts by our peers on the national stage. We have worked hard together to create our festivals and the handpicked team of professionals we work with are top of their game.

"We are also thrilled that our new project, West Country Food Adventures, sponsored by Old Mill, which launched this summer has been recognised in the Best Event category."

The 16th annual convention and awards dinner will be held in Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, Bath on November 27 and will see the very best in the industry gain recognition.

Sarah Milner Simonds, from eat:Festivals, said:"We set out to ensure you can taste some of the best food and drink in the county at our 16 festivals - but now we know you can sample some of the best food of the country. Blu Fire, High Steaks, The Mighty Soft Shell Crab and Kinori are exceptional hot food traders."

NOEA is the UK’s leading outdoor events trade association, representing outdoor event professionals across government, business, and through specialised areas such as policing and local government policy.

Susan Tanner, NOEA’s Chief Executive, said: “This year again saw an increase in entries, and the quality of the submissions was also very high. It’s been a real challenge for our judges to decide on the three or four shortlisted in each category.”

And Alistair Turner, chairman of the judging panel and managing director, EIGHT PR & Marketing, said: “The entries were again incredibly strong this year and shows our industry in really good health. It is a huge achievement for those shortlisted today and we look forward to seeing who is named as winners in November.”