UK Indie Associations Partner On Grassroots Networking Day In London

A partnership between the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the Association of Independent Promoters (AIP) and Music Venue Trust (MVT) has won the support of Arts Council England to create a new networking day for the sector.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, bookers and programmers from independent festivals and grassroots music venues, promoters and booking agents will gather at 229 London for a day dedicated to building new relationships and developing alliances to work more effectively together.

“Collectively AIF, AIP and MVT represent the largest employers in the grassroots music sector, commissioning the highest number of shows by grassroots artists, and investing over £500 million [$672 million] per annum into live music,” according to the press release announcing the partnership.

ATC-Live, Runway Artists, International Talent Booking (ITB), Pure Represents and Primary Talent are on board the partnership, with further agents and agencies expected join the mix for a UK-wide drive to strengthen the shows on offer at grassroots level.

AIF and MVT have previously offered networking opportunities within their established events – the Festival Congress and Venues Day, respectively – but this is the first time key players in the grassroots sector have come together to create meaningful connections between their respective stakeholders.

In addition to structured networking between bookers, agents and promoters, there will be opportunities for parties to develop cohorts with similar interests, be they regional clusters or genre-based groupings.

The pilot event is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Booking details for the Grassroots Networking Day will be sent to AIF, AIP and Music Venues Alliance members soon. Those who wish to attend or receive further information should complete the Expression Of Interest form here.

The partnership doesn’t replace existing events, but rather complements them. The annual AIF Festival Congress returns to Bristol, Feb. 5, 2026; MVT’s Venues Day returns for its 11th edition March 17 2026 at Shoreditch Town Hall in London.

The partners recommend, that “bookers and programmers should definitely prioritize the Grassroots Networking Day, whereas other team members will gain more from the panels, workshops and peer networking available at Festival Congress/Venues Day.”

Comments:

Claire Mera-Nelson, director of music at Arts Council England: “I’m delighted that Arts Council England has been able to support this vital new event for the grassroots music sector. It’s fantastic to see the creation of a dedicated space for discussion about shared challenges, and the ways that collaboration, partnership and the exchange of ideas and creative solutions can help support the sector going forward.”

AIF CEO John Rostron: “Live music is an ecosystem where audiences, artists and freelancers move in and out of grassroots venues, festivals and shows on their journey perhaps without noticing that these three pillars are so intertwined yet also unique and distinct. I’m so pleased that we three representative organisations have found common ground and are coming together to work in this way, bringing those who book, programme, develop and showcase artists into a space for what will be an incredibly fruitful day.”

A comment from the AIP board reads: “The people that work in the grassroots of the live music industry build and maintain the platforms that allow artists to progress through their music careers. They are paving the path of those who will play festival main stages and big headline tours. Their experience is like no other – with unique and ongoing challenges often overcome through sheer grit, passion and creativity. AIP welcomes this gathering with AIF and MVT as an opportunity to further unite grassroots operators, share best practices and support each other leading to successful collaborations and growth.”

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