A statement from AIF CEO Paul Reed on the Government’s announcement around lifting Covid restrictions
05 Jul 2021“We welcome the Prime Minister’s statement and that large events including festivals are expected to be able take place from July 19. It is positive for organisers, fans and artists alike that there will be some activity this year, though clearly it is too late for the estimated 56% of UK festivals that have already been forced to cancel and are still…
A statement from AIF CEO Paul Reed on the Government’s publication of the Events Research Programme Phase 1 findings
25 Jun 2021“We welcome the Government finally publishing the findings of the ERP Phase 1 pilot events. Although wide ranging, in many respects the report tells us what we already know: Most significantly, that there were no substantial outbreaks at these events, with 28 cases across nine events and 58,000 attendees. Additionally, outdoor spaces are generally lower risk than indoor, mitigation measures can reduce and manage risk…
More than half of UK festivals have now cancelled in 2021
25 Jun 2021The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) estimates that 51% of all UK festivals 5,000 cap and over have now been cancelled. The unfortunate milestone has been reached following the delay of Step 4 of the UK Government’s lockdown roadmap and its failure to intervene on insurance for festival businesses, coupled with the uncertainty around the publication of the Events Research…
Live music and theatre industries launch legal action against Government to force the publication of Events Research Programme data
24 Jun 2021Sectors also repeat calls for insurance support, changes to quarantine protocols and the immediate publication of post-July 19 event guidance. Today the live music industry body LIVE and a range of theatre businesses, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, Cameron Mackintosh, Michael Harrison and Sonia Friedman, have commenced legal proceedings against the Government to force it to hand over…
Festivals call for urgent intervention following lockdown delay
14 Jun 2021Report finds that over 90% of all remaining UK festivals over 5,000-capacity are scheduled to take place after 19th July – but they cannot continue to plan without Government backed insurance. Further cancellations will require “a swift and comprehensive rescue package” to ensure festival businesses can survive to 2022. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) is calling for urgent intervention…
AIF statement on DCMS Select Committee report into the future of UK music festivals.
29 May 2021Statement from AIF CEO Paul Reed on the Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee – The future of UK music festivals Report “AIF welcomes the findings of the committee and appreciates its efforts over the past few months. We are pleased that MPs have again echoed our repeated calls for Government-backed insurance for festivals. Government has essentially made a commitment to…
AIF issues Red Alert warning over 2021 season
04 May 2021Over a quarter of UK festivals over 5,000 capacity have been cancelled due to Government inaction on insurance. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) is issuing a Red Alert warning to Government, projecting that up to 76% of the remaining festivals (i.e. those that are scheduled to take place in July and August) could quickly cancel if immediate action is…
Statement from AIF CEO Paul Reed on the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund
06 Apr 2021“I can confirm that 70% of AIF members who applied for a grant in the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund have been offered funding. This amounts to over £5.5m in this round with an average grant of almost £126,000. 62% of the total amount applied for has been offered, with 78% of successful applicants offered 100% of…
Job: Administrative Assistant
30 Mar 2021AIF are seeking a new Administrative Assistant (part time) to assist the Chief Executive Officer with the day-to-day organisation and administration of the association. This is an administrative role and requires a quick learner with solid all-round administrative, organisational and communication skills. You will be IT literate and a confident communicator. You will have excellent time management skills and a proven…
AIF statement on article in The Observer.
07 Mar 2021A statement from AIF on an article in The Observer this weekend: “A report from The Observer this weekend suggested that Britain’s festival directors want the Government to tell artists and fans that they must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to attend music festivals. This does NOT reflect the position of AIF or ongoing dialogue with our membership. Many…
AIF issues ‘final countdown’ warning for Government insurance and VAT support to kickstart festival planning
01 Mar 2021Independent festivals could be forced to cancel their 2021 events if they don’t get Government-backed insurance and VAT intervention by the end of March. Two days before the 2021 budget, the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) warns the Chancellor: this is the final countdown for many festival organisers, who will need to decide whether to commit significant costs by the…
AIF statement on roadmap announcement
22 Feb 2021A statement from AIF CEO Paul Reed following the Prime Minister’s address in The House Of Commons today: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown, presented to the House Of Commons this afternoon, and are optimistic that many of our member festivals may be able to go ahead in some capacity later on this year. There are still,…