How a Skiddle-funded AIF membership could transform your festival’s future

Why the AIF matters for independent festivals

The AIF is the UK’s leading trade association for independent festivals, representing over 100 events nationwide. By joining, organisers gain direct access to resources, expertise, and a collective voice that has shaped policy and practice across the sector.

AIF membership unlocks:

• Influence and advocacy: Be part of a united voice lobbying government on crucial issues like licensing, insurance, sustainability, and cultural value.
• Legal and compliance support: Access guidance on contracts, policies, and regulations to avoid costly pitfalls.
• Networking and knowledge-sharing: Attend exclusive events, including the flagship Festival Congress, and connect with industry peers, suppliers, and innovators.
• Supplier partnerships: Benefit from introductions to trusted service providers offering competitive and creative solutions.
• Ongoing training and development: Join regular online and in-person sessions on trends, challenges, and best practices for independent events.

More details on the benefits can be found here.

What existing AIF members say

Don’t just take our word for it. Current members consistently point to the real-world impact of joining the AIF. Check out the testimonials below to see how an active partnership supports festivals at every level:

“The networking events that the AIF puts together are always of high value and always offer an extremely productive return. One of my favourite and most productive days of the year is the AIF Festival Congress. When attending this event, I know that I’m guaranteed to be able to meet first-rate suppliers who offer innovative and viable solutions for the events that I work on. Even if a deal isn’t done at the time, the opportunity to expand one’s network is always of benefit.”

Kevin Moore – Operations Director, From The Fields

“The team at AIF and their associates have helped us to navigate difficult legal issues and provided support and resources to better understand policies, contracts and licensing. Being part of a wider network of events has been really valuable, and the regular online and in-person meetings keep us in touch with the latest trends and services.”

Ben Street – Director, Wild Paths

“As a new member of the AIF, LOOPFEST has gained invaluable insight from a community of festival organisers who openly share their experience. These are people who’ve faced the same challenges we have, and their knowledge is already helping us grow. It’s also reassuring to know there’s an organisation on our side, championing independent festivals and the issues we face. We’re proud to be part of such a supportive and knowledgeable network.”

Jamie Smith – Director, LOOPFEST

Why Skiddle is backing this initiative

As the UK’s leading independent ticketing platform, Skiddle has always believed in the power of grassroots and independent festivals to shape music culture. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to back the UK’s many incredible independent festivals, helping to remove financial barriers and ensure that brilliant, ambitious events can thrive.

By covering the cost of AIF membership for selected organisers, we’re investing directly into the resilience and growth of the sector, supporting festivals for many seasons to come.

Apply now

Fully-funded memberships are limited. Apply now to be in with a chance of getting yours, and benefit from being part of the AIF.