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
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Growing the Association from small beginnings to over 250 members?.
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Contributing to major changes to licensing law.
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Negotiating a new % license deal with PRS for Music.
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Arranging and maintaining contact with many other associations in the Festival and Events industry.
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Assisting in the writing and editing of The Purple Guide Lite specifically for smaller events.
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Creating a Code of Best Practice for AFO members.
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Forming and maintaining the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events.
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Writing and assisting the editing and management of the Purple Guide online with colleagues at the Events Industry Forum (EIF).
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Supporting our members throughout the Covid Crisis.
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Assisting the writing of outdoor event Guidance in Covid Crisis along with a FESTIVAL ADENDUM.
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Negotiating a VAT reduction to 5% on ticket sales for a limited period to help finances after Covid-19.
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Agreeing with HM Government that festivals should be included in grants from the Cultural Recovery Fund, Project Grants and other funds.
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And just simply being here for our members.