AIF turns 50

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has announced that is now has 50 members festivals, with recent additions including The Isle of Wight Festival, Fire in the Mountain and Farr Festival.

At 75,000-capacity, The Isle of Wight Festival, headlined in 2014 by Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro and Kings of Leon is AIF’s largest new member. The festival recently announced Fleetwood Mac as a headliner in 2015.

It joins the 1,000 capacity Fire in the Mountain held in Aberystwyth, Wales and Farr, a 3500-capacity underground electronic music event held just outside of London.

AIF Co-founder Rob da Bank said: “I’m really chuffed to have reached our half-century at the AIF. To have three such diverse and fantastic festivals join us and take us over the 50 festivals mark is great news for the independent festival scene. The heritage and might of the Isle of Wight festival contrasting with the small but perfectly formed Fire In The Mountain and Farr festivals kinda sums up what we hope to do with AIF – cater for all the independent festivals out there whatever your size, musical bent and style. Roll on that 100th festival soon”.

Isle of Wight Festival Promoter John Giddings added: “It is a privilege to be accepted into the AIF to work alongside the great independents of the business. I hope that we can add something to the mix, and I know for certain that we will learn something new. We look forward to it!”

The trade association represents UK festival organisers, with other new members for 2014 including No Tomorrow in Nottingham (DHP Family, 15,000 capacity), The Eistenfodd held in various locations across Wales (18,000), Gloucestershire’s Barn on the Farm (5,000), Manchester’s Pangaea (6, 500) and Rhythm and Vines– a 30,000 capacity event held in New Zealand and AIF’s first international member.

AIF run campaigns and initiatives in areas affecting its membership and organises several member events such as this year’s inaugural Festival Congress, a two-day conference, awards and celebration of the independent festival sector, which took place in Cardiff in October.