WINTER | REVIEW
What we learnt at AIF Congress
Access provides a few take home insights
from another fabulous AIF Congress, which
took place in Sheffield, 6-7 November
What does it
mean to be
independent?
AIF members discussed
the importance and
significance of being
independent
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Gill Tee, founder, Black
Deer Festival: “I wake
up every day an think
how much I love my
festival, and so do my
friends, and family.
Being independent as
an owner means I can
make choices in how I
look after the person
who bought the ticket as
well as everyone on my
site. So I’m very proud
of being independent.
Entertee Hire, my
company, look at all
angles of producing the
festival.”
Jon Walsh, co-founder
and director, Kambe
Events: “It’s a passion,
a personal endeavour,
and a risk. We put our
heart and soul into it, and
everything is on the line.
Personal independence
has been a big discussion,
and Shambala’s been at
core of it, I think there’s
an element of being free
from outside influence,
you can always listen
to the people putting
an event on with you.
Product placement and
sponsorship can be
handled on your own
terms, with freedom of
choice and creativity.”
Goc O’Callaghan,
events and music
consultant: “There’s a
lot of festivals that focus
on smaller capacities,
and independence. This
allows you to focus
on more intimate and
personal experiences.
Music is an integral part
of that, but I like to look
at creating that fear of
missing out event.”
Rob Nosworthy, director
and site manager for
Nozstock The Hidden
Valley: “Year on year we
continue to expand what
a traditional festival is.
I talk to people starting
out, and how to find a
community, progress and
grow by nurturing that.
Now we have festivals on
so many topics, music,
fashion, wherever there’s
a strong community,
there’s room to expand
on that, and bring people
together. We have a long
list of people we want
to include, but we don’t
really follow that touring
schedule.