Sums added up by the AIF have revealed that the exact ticketed capacity of the combined AIF membership is 1,150,945, which far exceeds Live Nation-owned Festival Republic UK’s 880,500 (see calculations here).
The milestone marks a tremendous rise from the Association of Independent Festivals’ humble beginning in 2008, when just five festival organisers put aside their differences and began talking about issues affecting the independent festival community.
Since then, the collective has grown to 146 UK independent festival promoters, with the trade body today being an influential force both within the music industry and in front of the country’s policy makers, as it stands up for the needs and interests of those working in this vital cultural and economic sector.
In a statement published today, AIF CEO John Rostron said: “It’s incredible to reflect on how far we’ve come. Back in 2008, those five trailblazing promoters discovered they had much more in common than divided them and recognised the power of collaboration. Their forward-thinking philosophy remains at the heart of our community today.
“We believe the UK is experiencing a cultural renaissance driven by independent festivals. They lead the way in innovation, inclusivity, and values-based programming. Independent festivals 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.”
Despite the growth of AIF, festival numbers themselves are falling dramatically in the UK at present. At the end of November, as part of ongoing analysis of the sector’s health, AIF warned that 72 festivals have now announced a postponement, cancellation or complete closure in 2024 – double the amount that fell in 2023.
Since then, one more festival has cancelled and another, Black Deer, has postponed to 2026. Those figures plus the 96 events lost to Covid mean that the total number of UK festivals to have disappeared since 2019 is now 206.
Since the start of February, AIF has campaigned for a temporary lowering of VAT on festival tickets from 20% to 5%. A reduction of this kind would have saved most of the events that have closed this year. However, urgent intervention from the Government has not yet materialised.
Rostron added: “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.
“But today we begin to level the playing field for independents. Our collective strength means our members, when together, can now offer more than any . 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.”
Read John Rostron’s full statement here
