Blog: One Million Strong

As we close out 2024, we’re ending the year with some very uplifting and inspiring news. For the first time, the total ticketed capacity of AIF members has surpassed that of Live Nation’s Festival Republic. 

This month we reached an extraordinary milestone: AIF members collective ticketed capacity in the UK is now over 1 million (1,150,945 to be exact). This now far exceeds Festival Republic’s UK estimated 880,500 capacity (see our calculations below). Those who run an independent festival will understand just how important this moment is.

It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come. In 2008 organisers of five independent music festivals began talking about issues affecting the independent festival community. They discovered they had much more in common than divided them. Emboldened by their meeting, they agreed to talk again, and again, and again. These conversations were given a name, and so the Association of Independent Festivals was created. Those five trailblazers recognized the power of collaboration, and their forward-thinking philosophy remains at the heart of our community today. As we emerged from the pandemic in Autumn 2022 there were 93 festivals together at AIF. Today we are now at 146. 

They saw that we are stronger together. 

We believe the UK is experiencing a cultural renaissance driven by independent festivals. We know they lead the way in innovation, inclusivity, and values-based programming. Whether focused on folk, rock, punk, dance, metal, bass or beats, these festivals, work tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with audiences.

Independent festivals like Shambala, Green Gathering, Beat Herder, Deershed, Bloodstock, 2000 Trees, Test Fest, Truck and more build their ethos into their events and as a result have built loyal followings who value unique experiences rooted in community, creativity and sustainability. Many of our member festivals sell out even before their line-ups are announced, underscoring the deep connection between these events and their audiences.

Over 1 million people can’t be wrong.

Of course, this success has not come without significant challenges. Running an independent festival is increasingly fraught with financial and logistical difficulties. Rising production costs, inflation, and increased regulatory requirements have placed immense pressure on smaller operators. Unlike major festivals backed by corporate giants, independents often lack the financial cushion provided by sponsorship deals and large-scale ticketing control. This makes it harder for them to absorb unexpected expenses, such as weather-related disruptions or rising fuel costs.

As a result, festival numbers have been falling. In November, we shared that 74 festivals have folded or are on hiatus this year. We’ve been tracking the alarming trend in cancelled festivals <link> with concern. Many of these announcements stem from increased costs in essential areas such as insurance, infrastructure, and staffing, disproportionately affecting independent festivals compared to their corporation counterparts​. 

Corporate festivals receive disproportionate benefits that come from deep pockets and aggregate width of ownership. Live Nation owns Festival Republic, Cuffe & Taylor, Ticketmaster, DF Concerts, Academy Music Group and many other venues, Showsec, and much more. They also have a tangled relationship with promoter Simon Moran and SJM . They use that power to secure lower prices for production and services and to leverage artist bookings. 

An independent festival just cannot compete with that. It’s not a fair game. For independent festivals, the same supplier services come at a premium, further tightening already stretched budgets. Many independent festivals are operating on razor-thin margins, despite their creativity, popularity, and cultural significance. Companies like Live Nation benefit from independent festivals going out of business, a situation made more likely by their ability to absorb losses.

Levelling the playing field

But today we begin to level the playing field for independents.

Our collective strength means our members, when together, can now offer more to companies; artists; audiences. To you. They reach more people, in more places. They buy locally, build locally, spend locally and take care in and of their communities.

While rising costs and logistical hurdles remain significant obstacles for us all, the growing support for independent festivals through AIF suggests we can shape a promising future. There’s work to do, and we’re here for it. 

Here’s to the power of independence and the extraordinary people who make it all possible.