Member Blog

‘The current capitalist model is patently broken’: Shambala’s Dan Raffety on why Kambe Events is pioneering Employee Ownership for festivals

The Shambala co-founder and Head of Music goes into detail about the move, what it means for the famous festival and how others might follow suit…

By AIF

‘Look after your crew the same way you look after your audience’

The Festivals Branch of Samaritans attend around 18 - 20 festivals a year, providing a 24 hour, non-judgemental, face to face listening service throughout the event. Recently, I attended a joint meeting between AIF and BAFA members, where I discussed some of the issues that festival crew members in particular can face, and a three step approach that will help improve what can be a stressful and hectic work environment...

By Sally-Ann Washtell-Blaise
Member Blog

'Healthy, sustainable growth is degrowth. We're showing how it's done.'

AIF collective membership grows to 170 festivals and 1.35M festival fans as association ventures into new commercial partnerships...

By John Rostron, AIF
Member Blog

'This is not about ideology, it's about fairness, competition and the long-term health of the sector'

AIF Chair Matthew Phillips sends a clear message to the UK Government at Festival Congress 2026: "If you allow consolidation to continue unchecked, you are choosing the future with fewer independent festivals and you will be responsible for the consequences."

By AIF
View More Articles

Newswire Most Recent

We Group delivers 25 live events in 16 days

Independent festival and live event production collective We Group has delivered 25 live events in the last 16 days, bringing festivals, concerts, placemaking trails and brand activations to more than 250,000 people across London and the UK.

We Group 24th Aug 2026 BUSINESS

Two Seas: A Sonic Bridge Between the UK, Finland and Uzbekistan to confront the climate crisis

Shambala Festival has joined forces with Uzbekistan's Stihia Festival, and In Place of War’s flagship climate programme EarthSonic to launch ‘Two Seas’ - an ambitious international collaboration using electronic music to tell the story of two of the world's most dramatic environmental transformations.

Shambala 22nd Jul 2026 MUSIC

Mànran, Peatbog Faeries and FARA get HebCelt underway with celebrity guests

Friday’s line-up includes The Mary Wallopers, Valtos, Heisk, The Tumbling Souls and Sean Harrison and Band, alongside Colin Macleod, Kirsten Adamson and Emberline. 

HebCelt 16th Jul 2026 MUSIC

HERE WE ROW: The Maclean Brothers paddle overnight to reach HebCelt Festival

They have already navigated plans of who they want to see - but only after claiming their prize of a pint from organisers as reward for making it after sharing a cheeky bet on Instagram during their journey.  

HebCelt 16th Jul 2026 MUSIC

Traitors winner Stephen Libby and swimming champion Kara Hanlon revealed as baton bearers for Scotland’s King’s Baton Relay

“It’s such an incredible honour for us as a festival to welcome The King’s Baton Relay to the festival and our island." - Iain Macphail, Chair

HebCelt 2nd Jul 2026 MUSIC
View Newswire
Member Blog

'Healthy, sustainable growth is degrowth. We're showing how it's done.'

AIF collective membership grows to 170 festivals and 1.35M festival fans as association ventures into new commercial partnerships...

By John Rostron, AIF
Member Blog

'This is not about ideology, it's about fairness, competition and the long-term health of the sector'

AIF Chair Matthew Phillips sends a clear message to the UK Government at Festival Congress 2026: "If you allow consolidation to continue unchecked, you are choosing the future with fewer independent festivals and you will be responsible for the consequences."

By AIF