Joe GallopThe ninth edition of the International Festival Forum (IFF) will take place at a new venue this year, in a move organisers said will allow for an expanded programme and increased delegate numbers.
IFF, organised by International Live Music Conference (ILMC) and presented in association with TicketSwap, will take place in South London music venue Omeara from 26-28 September. The event is expected to host 1,000 professionals from more than 750 festivals and 60 markets.
The venue and surrounding spaces will form the IFF Campus and host booking agency and export office showcases, pop-up offices, speed meetings, conference debates and parties.
Booking agency partners on this year’s IFF include CAA, WME, UTA, X-ray Touring, Primary Talent, ATC Live, Earth Agency and Solo. The 2023 edition is also backed by festival associations including the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), YOUROPE and international festivals federation DeConcert! On the final night of the event, Music Venue Trust will host a National Lottery-funded Revive Live show.
ILMC head Greg Parmley said, “With around 1,000 delegates expected in 2023, representing tens of thousands of artists and over 750 festivals from around the globe, this year’s IFF is definitely moving up a gear. We can’t wait to welcome the music festival community to London in a few short months for this entirely in-person edition.”
Previous editions of IFF have included early performances from Lewis Capaldi, Tom Grennan, Yonaka, Bob Vylan, Sam Ryder, Slaves, Raye, Black Midi, Loyle Carner, Dermott Kennedy and Shame.
Omeara, which opened its doors in Southwark in late 2016, boasts two live stages and has hosted early London shows by the likes of Maggie Rogers, Julia Jacklin, Sam Fender and Idles.