Despite a challenging environment, many independent festivals are thriving – selling out even before line-ups are announced, so loyal and invested are their followings.We believe that independent festivals’ smaller scale and unique way of doing things – values-led, with a strong community ethos and sustainability principles often front-and-centre – are at the very heart of our success.Building on these inherent strengths, how might independent festivals be, or become, exemplars of ‘regenerative business’ – organisations that actively restore our natural environments and communities – particularly in ‘post-growth’ or ‘wellbeing’ economies, which emphasise quality of life and connection over financial/GDP growth?

We are delighted to invite you to an interactive workshop for AIF members, to explore this further – drawing on insights and learnings from regenerative business in other sectors, and starting to define any support that you might need to drive this forward and act collectively.The workshop will take place on Wednesday, 16 October, 14:00-15.15 BST and will be co-led by ReRoot, an NGO dedicated to building a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable music industry.

Joining us will be:

• Simon Lee, Founder, ReRoot / Associate Senior Consultant, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

• Erinch Sahan, Business & Enterprise Lead, Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) / Senior Associate, CISL

• Jordan McKay, Director, ReRoot / Principal Sustainability Strategist, Forum for the Future