The AIF’s Festival Congress has received backing from Minister for Finance and Local Government Edwina Hart (pictured middle) and Southbank’s artistic director Jude Kelly, who said that events are “deeply positive” for culture.

The event, which occurred last weekend (17-18 October), was praised by Hart, who also gave her support for National Events Month.

“We’re delighted to have AIF in Cardiff and to be associated with events like this. We see the economic benefits of events and their supply chains,” she said. “With too much in life, we look at pounds and pence, and not the experience and its contribution to society as a whole, particularly in a recession. 

“We have long established festivals like The Green Man as well as new ones like Focus Wales, and see the positive image they give.”

Hart went on to criticise the “dreadful” UK government-imposed restrictions on artist visas, which she said have made it difficult for people to come abroad for certain events in Wales. “We’ve had people coming from across the world, that had dreadful restrictions put upon their travel,” she said.

The Minister was received by Claire O’Neil, senior manager for the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), and Britain for Events campaign director Alistair Turner (pictured right).

Meanwhile, Southbank’s Kelly gave a plenary, praising festivals’ contributions to modern Britain. “The word ‘festival’ is one that comes unburdened, and evokes a deeply democratic and positive experience,” she said.

“Groups of people celebrating the strength of who they are is a valuable part of community building. This issue of being witnessed and having a sense of space is very important,” she added.

Got a story for Access All Areas? Email Tom Hall
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The AIF’s Festival Congress has received backing from Minister for Finance and Local Government Edwina Hart (pictured middle) and Southbank’s artistic director Jude Kelly, who said that events are “deeply positive” for culture.

The event, which occurred last weekend (17-18 October), was praised by Hart, who also gave her support for National Events Month.

“We’re delighted to have AIF in Cardiff and to be associated with events like this. We see the economic benefits of events and their supply chains,” she said. “With too much in life, we look at pounds and pence, and not the experience and its contribution to society as a whole, particularly in a recession. 

“We have long established festivals like The Green Man as well as new ones like Focus Wales, and see the positive image they give.”

Hart went on to criticise the “dreadful” UK government-imposed restrictions on artist visas, which she said have made it difficult for people to come abroad for certain events in Wales. “We’ve had people coming from across the world, that had dreadful restrictions put upon their travel,” she said.

The Minister was received by Claire O’Neil, senior manager for the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), and Britain for Events campaign director Alistair Turner (pictured right).

Meanwhile, Southbank’s Kelly gave a plenary, praising festivals’ contributions to modern Britain. “The word ‘festival’ is one that comes unburdened, and evokes a deeply democratic and positive experience,” she said.

“Groups of people celebrating the strength of who they are is a valuable part of community building. This issue of being witnessed and having a sense of space is very important,” she added.

Got a story for Access All Areas? Email Tom Hall
Follow us @Access_AA
Or on Facebook and Instagram (AccessAllAreasUK)