POWDERHAM castle has been named venue of the year at a top industry awards ceremony, beating prestigious venues Blenheim Palace and Manchester's Mex Centre.
The Kenton venue, that has played host to Elton John, Status Quo and Blue, was named top venue by event services association TESA last week.
Now, the prestigious home of Lord and Lady Devon, has attracted top bands Westlife, Busted and Jools Holland for another summer season.
General manager Tim Faulkner (pictured right), said he is delighted with the recognition the award brings.
'There is no doubt we are on a roll at present, and the concerts have taken off to such an extent that we now see more people at our six or seven summer concerts than we do visiting the castle as tourists throughout the rest of the year.
'But it would not happen if we didn't have the support of the ticket- buying public and it is they who are drawing the big names down here'
Last year's Elton John concert attracted a sell-out crowd of 13,000, while Blue played to a record 20,000 crowd a month later.
Westlife, the country's biggest selling live act, will be the finale of a major music weekend at the castle at the beginning of August.
The big selling concert is expected to exceed last year's success.
Mr Faulkner said: 'We are almost full this year but there are a couple more excitements waiting in the wings and it will be hard to say no and I am just keeping my fingers crossed for another long hot summer like last year.
'It is very gratifying to have brought this award down to the West Country against some very stiff competition,' said Mr Faulkner.