THE AIF TEAM

CEO

He leads on lobbying and advocacy on behalf of the independent festival sector. He oversees all AIF campaigns, communications, partnerships, events and development of strategy to support member festivals. He manages day-to-day operations of the Association and also curates the conference programme at Festival Congress, AIF’s annual flagship conference for the festival sector.

Prior to joining AIF John spent several years working as a freelance bid writer for music and arts organisations. During that time he also co-founded the Association of Independent Promoters, which he lead as Chair until his appointment here. Previously John was an independent concert and festival promoter, developing acts from grassroots music venues to Arenas, and co-founded the Welsh Music Prize, celebrating and championing the best new music from Wales.

Membership & Operations Manager

Phoebe is the Membership & Operations Manager at the Association of Independent Festivals. Alongside managing all their membership processes, she also keeps on top of the general admin, AIF newsletter and membership events. Phoebe also leads of AIF's Safer Spaces at Festivals campaign and helped to launch their EDI policies and action plan in 2023.

She was awarded Access All Area's 30 Under 30 in the Class of 2024.

Phoebe was previously Membership & Projects Coordinator at AIF as well as the Festival Congress Event Manager between 2018-2020, returning to the organisation in 2022. Prior to this she'd worked in Membership at the Music Managers Forum, and on the Artist & Manager Awards.

Communications Coordinator

Harri Rose is the Communications Coordinator ensuring AIF is the voice of independent festivals.

Harri has over a decade of experience in campaigning, events, and fundraising, and is a published author. She also has experience as Co-Director of her own CIC, Anti Diet Riot Club which has been featured in The Guardian, Grazia, and The Times and amassed a following of over 125k on Instagram.

Harri has a personal interest in sustainability, social justice, and food systems. She regularly speaks and hosts workshops at independent festivals, and she firmly believes that these are some of the most creative, joyful places in the world.

Communications Assistant

Osian is a first language Welsh speaker with many years experience working in independent Cardiff venues as a sound technician. 

As well as the day to day of working alongside bands and DJ’s, Osian has also been involved with multi-venue festivals such as Sŵn and Hub Festival. 

Osian joins AIF to build our social media engagement, support on communications and assist with member projects and events.

Support to CEO

Eleri has been wrangling spreadsheets and event plans for over a decade and thrives on keeping things organised and running smoothly. A self-proclaimed office geek, she is passionate about creating efficient systems and helping exciting projects come to life, because when the admin is sorted, the magic can happen!

With extensive admin experience in the training and education sector and, more recently, in the access to arts charity sector, Eleri provides administration, accounts, and marketing support. Whether it’s balancing budgets, managing mailing lists, or crafting newsletters, she is all about supporting the team and ensuring the behind-the-scenes work runs seamlessly.

On the side, Eleri manages a team of 3 small people and runs a small catering business, hosting seasonal supper clubs, cheffing at retreats, and sharing her passion for local, seasonal, and nourishing food that tastes amazing.