Ticketing platform Skiddle has launched a new partnership with the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) to bolster support for independent events.
AIF is the UK’s official not-for-profit trade association for non-corporate festivals, representing around 150 events.
The organisation provides members with expert-led training, exclusive resources and webinars, a free legal helpline, and a collaborative peer-to-peer network. AIF also plays a key role in advocacy, having led sector-shaping initiatives such as Safer Spaces at Festivals and First Festival.
As part of this new initiative, Skiddle will fully fund AIF memberships for more than 20 independent UK-based festivals. To be eligible, festivals must be entering at least their second year and agree to allocate a portion of tickets for their 2026 editions to be sold on Skiddle.
Applications are open to all qualifying organisers, regardless of their current ticketing partner.
Successful applicants will receive a one-year membership, along with a bespoke marketing support package from Skiddle. This includes a featured spot in Skiddle’s Festival Guide, editorial promotion, targeted paid media and dedicated account management.
Recipients will be selected by a joint panel from Skiddle and AIF, with the final list announced in late October.
Duncan King, Skiddle’s head of festivals & partnerships, said: “Driven by our longstanding commitment to the independent festival sector and a passion for supporting the incredible experiences the UK has to offer, we’ve teamed up with the AIF to help strengthen the industry for years to come.
“By combining our knowledge and resources, recipients of these funded memberships will gain invaluable insight and support from two teams with decades of shared expertise in ticketing, events, and festivals.”
AIF CEO John Rostron said: “We’re pleased to partner with Skiddle for this initiative, which will give more festivals access to the resources, expertise and insights that come with being part of AIF, and the extensive promotional power of Skiddle’s platform.
“The strength of independence comes from a deep-rooted belief in community. At a time when so many festival organisers are struggling, we want to make sure as many as possible have the opportunity to benefit from that unique collaborative spirit.”
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