About AFO

Working for and with festivals and events, supporting live arts

AFO was started in 1987 when a group of festival organisers came together to exchange views and ideas. It was clear that supporting each other was a good way forward for the whole of the festival scene.

AFO is an independent organisation with an office in the East Midlands and a nationwide brief. 

We continue to develop and grow, providing support for our members and a voice for the festival and events industry to HM government, local authorities, UK live music industry, the industry press, radio and tv and much more.

Our Achievements

• Growing the Association from small beginnings to over 250 members?.

• Contributing to major changes to licensing law.

• Negotiating a new % license deal with PRS for Music.

• Arranging and maintaining contact with many other associations in the Festival and Events industry.

• Assisting in the writing and editing of The Purple Guide Lite specifically for smaller events.

• Creating a Code of Best Practice for AFO members.

• Forming and maintaining the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events.

• Writing and assisting the editing and management of the Purple Guide online with colleagues at the Events Industry Forum (EIF).

• Supporting our members throughout the Covid Crisis.

• Assisting the writing of outdoor event Guidance in Covid Crisis along with a FESTIVAL ADENDUM.

• Negotiating a VAT reduction to 5% on ticket sales for a limited period to help finances after Covid-19.

• Agreeing with HM Government that festivals should be included in grants from the Cultural Recovery Fund, Project Grants and other funds.

• And just simply being here for our members.