The UK’s independent festivals have helped boost the economy to the tune of £1bn over the last four years, according to new research.
Findings by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) revealed that over 635,000 music fans attended events run by the organisation’s members.
Over £80m of the £1bn came from audience spend with an average of £466.01 per person during 2014.
Paul Reed, general manager of AIF, said: ‘Our extensive research clearly shows that the independent music festival sector is thriving and enjoying an extended period of fantastic growth.
‘Over the last four years our members events have contributed an estimated £1bn to the UK economy, primarily through audience spend, which has benefited the entire country, particularly local businesses in the areas where these festivals take place.’
AIF co-founder Rob da Bank added: ‘Who’d have thought our little organisation, which started off with five festivals meeting in a broom cupboard, would grow to be an economic powerhouse generating over a billion quid in four years for the economy?’
Further AIF findings from its additional Festival Fever initiative illustrated the cultural impact of indie festivals. Almost half of the respondents interviewed by AIF said they chose attending an independent festival over taking a summer holiday last year.
Visit aiforg.com for more information on the initiative.
Findings by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) revealed that over 635,000 music fans attended events run by the organisation’s members.
Over £80m of the £1bn came from audience spend with an average of £466.01 per person during 2014.
Paul Reed, general manager of AIF, said: ‘Our extensive research clearly shows that the independent music festival sector is thriving and enjoying an extended period of fantastic growth.
‘Over the last four years our members events have contributed an estimated £1bn to the UK economy, primarily through audience spend, which has benefited the entire country, particularly local businesses in the areas where these festivals take place.’
AIF co-founder Rob da Bank added: ‘Who’d have thought our little organisation, which started off with five festivals meeting in a broom cupboard, would grow to be an economic powerhouse generating over a billion quid in four years for the economy?’
Further AIF findings from its additional Festival Fever initiative illustrated the cultural impact of indie festivals. Almost half of the respondents interviewed by AIF said they chose attending an independent festival over taking a summer holiday last year.
Visit aiforg.com for more information on the initiative.
