The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) is the UK national not-for-profit festival trade association representing the interests of around 150 independent UK music festivals ranging in size from audiences of 500 people to 80,000 people.
Their unique network of promoters and operators enable festival organisers to connect with each other, learn from each other, share problems and share solutions. They also support their members in growing and developing their businesses, providing access to training, resources, webinars and experts.
They are a collective voice for the sector to government, media and the wider music industry. AIF is also a founding member of Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment (LIVE), the umbrella organisation for the live music sector.
The Event: Festival Congress
Festival Congress is the largest gathering of independent festivals in the UK, and is AIF’s flagship event, welcoming 400 delegates. The event consists of a conference and after-party.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
The conference has a progressive and innovative format that includes lightning talks, breakout workshops, keynotes, fireside chats and a host of experts and inspiring individuals and organisations from across the festival and event world.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
At the evening after-party, AIF showcase some of the coolest festival bands while the guests enjoy street food.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
Who was in attendance?
Festival organisers, suppliers and freelancers from across the UK. They also welcome a small cohort of students in partnership with BIMM Music Institute Bristol.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
Why Bristol?
Bristol City Council was receptive to the event and instrumental in helping secure venues and introducing partners. They also recognise the value of the festival sector and its ecosystem in supporting music, creative and technical skills. Bristol is also home to a strong cluster of festival operators and their teams, making it a great spot to host the Festival Congress.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
Which venues were used?
Main conference venue: Bristol Beacon
After-party: Lost Horizon
What were the highlights?
2025 was the biggest conference for AIF yet, involving 400 delegates.
Speakers from companies such as We Are The Fair, Green Gathering Festival, Citizen Ticket, Bridge Creative and Save Our Scene.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
Leaving a positive impact on the city
AIF hosted an additional event the day after Festival Congress with BIMM Music Institute Bristol and Big Team, welcoming students and those aspiring to work in the events industry to a networking event with some of the festival organiser delegates. They also organised a panel for them to explore routes into industry. Some of those attendees have already booked work at events this summer as a result.
Top recommendations from AIF for planners thinking of holding their event in Bristol?
Bristol City Council have been hugely helpful for us and really encouraging for the event - it’s great to have on the ground knowledge.
Image - Association of Independent Festivals
Related
The newly refurbished venue has four performance spaces; Beacon Hall, Lantern Hall, Weston Stage and Bridgehouse.
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