Bookers, programmers, promoters and agents join UK-wide drive to strengthen the shows on offer at grassroots level. 

Event backed by Arts Council England.

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 14 October, 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 per annum into live music. 

With ATC-Live, Runway Artists, International Talent Booking (ITB), Pure Represents and Primary Talent already on board, further agents and agencies will 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, but this is the first time that all 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. 

Claire Mera-Nelson, Director of Music at Arts Council England, said: “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.”

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. 

This new partnership event complements long standing key events from AIF and MVT. In development are the annual AIF Festival Congress, which will take place in Bristol on Thursday 5 February 2026, and MVT’s Venues Day will return for its 11th edition on 17 March 2026 at Shoreditch Town Hall. 

Each event is distinct in its aims, so grassroots music professionals are encouraged to consider which event will offer them the most advantage. Bookers and programmers should definitely prioritise the Grassroots Networking Day, whereas other team members will gain more from the panels, workshops and peer networking available at Festival Congress/Venues Day.

AIF CEO John Rostron said: “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.”

The AIP Board said: “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.”