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AIF Launches Support Programme for Struggling UK Festivals
September9
The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the UK trade association representing independent music festivals, has launched a new support programme aimed at helping festivals facing financial or operational difficulties.
The Festival MOT initiative, funded by the LIVE Trust, will provide selected festivals with tailored consultations involving panels of experienced industry professionals. The programme is open to both AIF members and non-member independent festivals of all sizes and genres across the UK.
Selected organisers will receive advice from specialists covering areas including production, operations, finance, marketing, ticketing and commercial partnerships, alongside members of the AIF team.
The consultations are intended to identify each festival’s most pressing challenges and develop practical recommendations and action plans. Where appropriate and funding allows, the programme may also cover additional specialist support following the initial consultation.
Applications are now open, with consultation sessions scheduled to take place during October, November and December 2026. AIF said the application window will remain open while it seeks further funding to expand the programme.
The initiative comes as the UK independent festival sector continues to face significant financial pressure. According to AIF, 36 festivals have either cancelled or postponed editions during 2026.
AIF CEO John Rostron said “The independent festival sector continues to face unprecedented challenges, with 36 festivals having fallen or postponed this year. Our Festival MOT is designed to give organisers who are still operating but in crisis, or fearing they are nearing crisis, a dedicated, expert and resource backed pit stop. Whether they need a fresh perspective on production, marketing, or financial sustainability, this initiative will provide tangible, hands-on support to help independent events navigate the road ahead and build long-term resilience. We are hugely grateful to the LIVE Trust and its supporters for the opportunity to offer this bespoke service.”
He added that the programme would provide support across areas including production, marketing and financial sustainability, with the aim of strengthening the long-term resilience of independent events.
Festival MOT follows AIF’s Micro & Very Small Festival Development programme, also funded by the LIVE Trust. More than 90 festivals participated in that initiative, receiving training, industry advice and networking support.
AIF represents more than 170 independent festivals, which collectively attract more than 1.35 million attendees annually.
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