The Association of Independent Festivals and Alliance of Independent Promoters are among the first organisations to benefit from the Arts Council England’s Music Growth Package Sector Bodies Programme.

Arts Council England said it was making 11 initial awards totalling £837,750 to organisations including Music Venue Trust and Night Time Industries Association.

The fund has been set up to support established music industry bodies. It forms part of the £45 million Music Growth Package, a three-year UK Government and Arts Council England investment programme established to back artists, music creators, industry professionals and music businesses. The Arts Council said the aim of the package is to support more than 2,000 projects over three years, benefiting at least 40,000 artists and music professionals.

It forms part of the Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music package launched by DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy in July 2026.

Commenting on the grant of £65,000 awarded to AIF, its CEO John Rostron said, “Independent music festivals are the live music venues of May until September, and have become a glorious, essential part of the live music ecosystem. It might remain challenging to run them, but that doesn’t stop hundreds of individuals giving it a go, and this vital support is a welcome backing to those creatives who are sustaining and growing the festival sector.”

Creative Industries minister Ian Murray said, “This country is a world leader in music, and the entire industry contributes enormously to our creative economy. That’s why we committed to the growth and continued success of the sector in our plan for music, Turn It Up.

“This Music Growth Package investment, delivered in partnership with Arts Council England, is a fantastic example of that commitment in action. It will create more routes into music careers for people around the country and help ensure the UK remains a global frontrunner for years to come.”

The 11 sector bodies to win funding from the scheme are:

Alliance of Independent Promoters

Association of Independent Festivals

Association of Independent Music

BPI

ESEA Music

Featured Artist Coalition

The Ivors Academy

Music Managers Forum

Music Producers Guild

Music Venue Trust

Night Time Industries Association

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