News

AIF launches All-Party Parliamentary Group for independent festivals

Chaired by Giles Watling MP, the APPG will look into environmental impacts and solutions; women’s safety; crime and drug use; and touring visas for musicians.

We’re Hiring! Fresh Festival Talent

Fresh Festival Talent is a new opportunity for two black, asian or minority ethnic young people aged 18-25 to be empowered to begin work within the festival sector.

AIF partners with Galop and Stamp Out Spiking to bolster Safer Spaces campaign

Partnerships will mean extra resources and visibility around LGBT+ abuse survivors and the issue of spiking. AIF has partnered with LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop and anti-spiking charity Stamp Out Spiking to bolster its Safer Spaces Charter. Galop works with LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence, specialising in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime,…

1 in 6 festivals came to an end as a result of Covid

New AIF data shows there were 600 UK music festivals in 2019, but now less than 500 in 2023. One in six UK festivals came to an end during and in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, new data from the Association of Independent Festivals suggests. A study carried out by AIF in the first half of 2023 shows there…

AIF launches First Festival Campaign

New initiative will increase access to festivals for hundreds of thousands of 18-year-olds across the UK. Shambala, Kendal Calling, BlueDot, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley, End Of The Road, and British Country Music Festival among initial sign ups. Campaign assets here. The Association of Independent Festivals has today launched a pioneering new campaign and fund that will enable access to festivals…

AIF publishes Festival Forecast for 2023

The Association of Independent Festivals has today published its first ever Festival Forecast report, which provides economic forecasts for its membership, as well as detailing issues facing the sector and potential solutions. Based on a survey of AIF members, carried out in April 2023, AIF festivals are on course to make a collective gross revenue of £195 million this year,…

AIF hits 100-member milestone

Landmark announced at this year’s Festival Congress in Bristol. The Association of Independent Festivals has reached 100 members. Eisteddfod Yr Urdd became the 100th AIF member in January, with the milestone being announced today (February 1) at the opening of this year’s Festival Congress in Bristol. An annual Welsh-language youth festival of literature, music and performing arts organised by Urdd…

Festival Congress returns to Bristol in February

Full programme revealed with speakers from Ticketsellers, Tysers, Attitude Is Everything, Beat Blocks, Bankier Sloan, TheWRD, Team Love and more.

TheWRD from The Ivors Academy announced as Festival Congress’ 2023 Educational Partner

AIF is proud to announce TheWRD from The Ivors Academy as Festival Congress’ 2023 Educational Partner. TheWRD team is proud of this partnership and looks forward to connecting with independent festival organisers in Bristol. 

John Rostron announced as new AIF CEO at 2022 AGM

John Rostron has been appointed as the new CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals.

The appointment was announced today during AIF’s 2022 AGM, with Rostron officially beginning his tenure on November 18 following a two-week handover period with current CEO Paul Reed.

500+ UK festivals and outdoor events unite to launch Green Events Code tackling climate crisis

Sustainable Event Summit to launch a Green Events Code, to establish national minimum sustainability standards, targets and practices.  

AIF Comment on today’s Mini Budget announcement

Today’s announcement from the Chancellor means very little for our £1.75bn UK festival industry. We’ve faced unprecedented challenges on increased costs, supply chain and low consumer confidence, with audiences facing a social emergency. This shows no sign of relenting as we look to 2023. What we need is an urgent reduction of VAT on tickets to 5% and an assurance…