Ed Sheeran is named Best Breakthrough Act at Festival Awards

Singer-songwriter takes hotly-contested award

Chris Swindells - 14 November 2011

UK chart-invading newcomer Ed Sheeran has been handed the 'Best Breakthrough Artist' award at the UK Festival Awards 2011.

The award is decided by public vote and fans on Virtual Festivals have been able to vote for the award during September and October.

The 20-year-old from Halifax, West Yorkshire began recording in 2005 and broke through with performances at Glastonbury 2011 on the BBC Introducing Stage alongside sets at Beach Break Live, Reading and Leeds Festivals and Bestival this summer.

Ed also celebrated three top five UK singles in 2011 and a UK number one album '+'.

For the latest news and award winners from the UK Festival Awards 2011 follow Virtual Festivals on Twitter and Facebook.