AIF hits 50 members!

09 Dec 2014

AIF this week announced new members Isle of Wight Festival, Farr Festival, Eisteddfodd Genedlaethol Cymru and Fire in the Mountain, taking the current membership up to 50.

The 75,000 capacity Isle of Wight Festival is one of Britain’s largest and most successful festivals, and was headlined in 2014 by Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro and Kings of Leon. It joins the 1,000 capacity Fire in the Mountain held in Aberystwyth, Wales and Farr Festival, a 3,500 capacity underground electronic music event held just outside of London, as well as Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, held in various locations across Wales with a capacity of 18,000.

Other AIF festivals who have become members in 2014 include: No Tomorrow in Nottingham (DHP Family, 15,000 capacity), Gloucestershire’s Barn on the Farm (5,000), Manchester’s Pangaea (6, 500) and Rhythm and Vines – a 30,000 capacity event held in New Zealand and AIF’s first international member.

AIF co-founder Rob da Bank said: “I’m really chuffed to have reached our half-century at the AIF. To have 3 such diverse and fantastic festivals join us and take us over the 50 festivals mark is great news for the independent festival scene. The heritage and might of the Isle of Wight festival contrasting with the small but perfectly formed Fire In The Mountain and Farr festivals kinda sums up what we hope to do with AIF – cater for all the independent festivals out there whatever your size, musical bent and style. Roll on that 100th festival soon”.

Isle of Wight Festival Promoter John Giddings said, “It is a privilege to be accepted into the AIF to work alongside the great independents of the business. I hope that we can add something to the mix, and I know for certain that we will learn something new. We look forward to it!”

AIF General Manager Paul Reed said: “What a fantastic way to celebrate AIF’s 50th. We are extremely proud to represent 50 of the most exciting and creative festivals from across the UK and further afield”