Grassroots Rising Brings Independent Festivals Together with a New Model

Organised by industry figures including Si Chai, creative director of Chai Wallahs & Diplomats of Sound, Grassroots Rising is a community-driven initiative aimed at festival organisers, venue owners, and promoters struggling to make their events a reality. Speaking at the Association of Independent Festivals Congress, Si explained that the event will feature a range of grassroots music platforms, helping to nurture talent and provide opportunities for the independent scene.

Scheduled to run from the 18th to the 21st of June 2026, Grassroots Rising will take place at the Huntingdon site in Abbots Ripton, previously home to the Secret Garden Party. Thanks to the generosity of Secret Garden Party founder Freddie Fellowes, the site will be provided free of charge. The Secret Garden Party will also be featured as part of the event, in collaboration with Music Venue Trust and support from nine venues already confirmed.

 

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What sets Grassroots Rising apart is its structure as a community-benefit society. Profits will be reinvested into the community, and all participants will have a voice in how the festival is run. The launch will be supported by a Crowdfunder campaign this summer, providing festival organisers with the chance to get involved and contribute to this unique model.

For event organisers, Grassroots Rising presents a powerful opportunity to reduce costs and build sustainable festivals. By pooling resources across multiple festivals, the model offers a 30-40% saving on infrastructure and transportation, along with a reduction in digital marketing costs, thanks to established ticket buyer databases. This collaboration allows for direct communication with previous ticket buyers, maximising the impact of marketing efforts.

Grassroots Rising isn’t just a festival – it’s a new way forward for independent event organisers. With its focus on community, sustainability, and cost savings, it offers a solution for those looking to navigate the challenges of running an independent festival. 

Stay tuned to the Promotion Centre Blog to hear more about the festival in the weeks to come.