Cavendish Beach Music Festival named top festival of the year at CCMA Awards

For the first time in its 10-year history, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival has won the Canadian Country Music Association's award for top festival.

The award was given out Friday, leading up to the CCMA'saward show Sunday evening.

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Jeff Squires, the president and CEO of Whitecap Entertainment,the organization behind the festival, says he's very honoured and feels a "tremendous sense of pride"for the festival and for Prince Edward Island.

"The reality isCavendish Beach Music Festival is about showcasing Prince Edward Island," he said

"We're very fortunate that it's a tremendous tourism destination and I think putting world-class music in Prince Edward Island every year is another reason for people to experience all that P.E.I. has to offer."

CBMF up against some big festivals from across Canada

The festival has been nominated for this award before, but never won.

This year, Cavendish Beach Music Festival beat out this list of nominees to take home the top award for a festival:

• Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose, Alta.
• Boots And Hearts Music Festival, Oro-Medonte, Ont.
• Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alta.
• Rockin' River Country Music Fest,Merritt, B.C.

The annual award is voted on by colleagues in the industry from across Canada.

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