The Cornish winners of the first-ever Ticketsource Rural Touring Awards, were announced at the National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF)’s annual conference in Nottingham.

Nominated by more than 700 individuals, and with winners selected by an industry panel, the awards recognize the valuable work of productions, venues, promoters, schemes, and staff in the rural touring sector.

The award categories focused on the key areas of rural touring success: welcoming village halls and community venues, enthusiastic promoters (many of whom are volunteers), supportive touring schemes, and innovative and inspirational shows. Audience members made around 55% of nominations, alongside touring scheme staff, artists and promoters.

Cornwall’s Carn to Cove was recognised as the ‘Most supportive touring scheme’.

Tim Smithies, the project director for the scheme, picked up the award and said: ‘It was great to be nominated and shortlisted with two other fantastic schemes from Shropshire and the North East. We’re really chuffed to have won and big thanks to everyone who has supported us to be able to pick up this award.’