The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has called for the UK’s Culture Media & Sport Select Committee to begin a State of Play inquiry into the future of UK festivals.

Speaking at the AIF Congress in Bristol today, 5 February, AIF CEO John Rostron urged the delegation of independent festival promoters, freelancers and suppliers, to support a new campaign for the inquiry into the sector.

At the end of last year, the UK Culture Media & Sport Select Committee called for submissions to suggest themes or sectors that should be part of a new inquiry, dubbed State of Play.

AIF is asking for a State of Play inquiry to explore the challenges currently facing independent festivals, and to recognise the positive impact festivals have on communities across the UK and the economy at both local and national levels.

Rostron said a successful inquiry would lead to recommendations from the Select Committee to the UK Government to champion support for independent festivals.

AIF has monitored the shrinking independent festival sector in recent years, with 96 festivals called off during the pandemic, some 36 closing in 2023, 78 in 2024 and so far this year five festivals have either been cancelled, postponed or ended permanently.

AIF has long campaigned for VAT cut on music festival ticket sales from 20% to 5%, claiming the measure would would have saved many of the 215 festivals that have already fallen. The association said it hopes a successful State of Play inquiry into festivals will result in four key outcomes:

  1. The recognition that festivals are falling at an alarming rate
  2. That a temporary fiscal intervention from the UK Government will prevent closures and lead to growth.
  3. Recognition of the cultural and economic value of independent, grassroots festivals and the cultural benefits that they bring to all regions of UK
  4. The recognition that current policies are failing UK festivals and reform is needed

The campaign for a State of Play inquiry has been backed by NOQ Group, which provides a centralised point of sale system for events.

Rostron said, “Grassroots independent music festivals are more than events; they’re the lifeblood of the UK arts landscape, providing a platform for emerging talent, supporting local economies and bringing joy to millions. But without government support, these festivals face unprecedented challenges.
“A State of Play inquiry from the UK Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee is  a new opportunity to make our voices heard, and we need the whole festival sector to get behind us.

“The MPs on this Committee have the power to lobby the Government for the support we need. We believe a State of Play inquiry into festivals will demonstrate the desperate need for more support for independents. Through this submission to the CMS Committee, we can champion the changes needed for the survival of UK grassroots, independent festival culture.”

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