Podcast Overview
<p>Unlock the secrets to building a sustainable, thriving event with First Festival, the essential podcast for micro and small festival organisers. </p><p></p><p>Hosted by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) CEO John Rostron, each episode pairs festival movers-and-shakers with experts to tackle everything from finding your niche to licensing, marketing, environmental impact, and so much more.</p><p></p><p>Hear unfiltered first edition stories from world-class founders and gain the practical blueprints you need to professionalise your festival’s future. </p><p></p><p>Find out more about the Association of Independent Festivals here - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.aiforg.com" target="_blank">www.aiforg.com</a></p><p></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/24/2026
3 verified contact emails on file for First Festival
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Recent Episodes
July 6, 2026
Q&A TWO FOR YOU
<p>In this final Q&A Episode, we tackle key questions, big talking points and offer foundational insights for Micro & Very Small Festivals. From legal experts on the pros and cons of festival business structure options, to demystifying funding opportunities. What to consider when managing your finances as a sole trader, and how to make up your essential marketing toolkit. Plus much more! Essential listening to professionalise your festival's future.</p><p></p><p><b>John Rostron </b>- Host, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) </p><p></p><p><b>Sophie Evans</b> - Co-Host, Campaigns & Recourses at the AIF</p><p></p><p>Azorra (Legal) - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.azorra.co.uk" target="_blank">azorra.co.uk</a></p><p>Vision For Sustainable Events - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://visionsustainableevents.org" target="_blank">visionsustainableevents.org</a></p><p>PRS Foundation - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://prsfoundation.com/funding-support" target="_blank">prsfoundation.com/funding-support</a></p><p>Arts Council England - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.artscouncil.org.uk" target="_blank">artscouncil.org.uk</a></p><p>Creative Wales - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://creative.wales" target="_blank">creative.wales</a></p><p>Council Wales - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://arts.wales" target="_blank">arts.wales</a></p><p>Creative Scotland<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.creativescotland.com/" target="_blank"> - </a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://creativescotland.com" target="_blank">creativescotland.com</a></p><p>Vicky In Finance - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://linkedin.com/in/vicky-westcott-69466751" target="_blank">linkedin.com/in/vicky-westcott-69466751</a></p><p>Gigantic Ticketing - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://gigantic.com" target="_blank">gigantic.com</a></p><p></p><p><i>Please note: everything covered in this episode is general information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. It does not take into account your individual circumstances. So you should always take specific legal and tax advice before making decisions about your business.</i></p><p></p><p>Brought to you by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), edited by Trevor Deeble (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bex-pop.com/" target="_blank">bex.pop</a>), produced by Sophie Evans</p><p></p><p><b>MUSIC</b></p><p>(1) Artist: Tai Hâf Heb Drigolyn, Track: Siwgr </p><p>(2) Artist: Soft Hearted Scientists, Track: At Night The Quarry Glows Like A Mothership</p>
June 18, 2026
Marketing & Audiences
Marketing and audience consultant Ellie White and Found Festival's Harri Rose discuss strategies for packaging unique selling points and building dedicated communities for festivals.
June 9, 2026
Sustainability & Accessibility
Shambala Festival Co-Founder Chris Johnson and Noteworthy Access Founder Yiska Ansel discuss how sustainability and accessibility drive festival innovation and audience growth in this interview.
9 total episodes available
Recent guests on First Festival
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Harri Rose
Guest
Ellie White
Guest
Chris Johnson
Guest
Yiska Ansel
Guest
Shane Daunt
Guest
Chris Carter
Guest
Sophie Evans
Guest
Rob Wilkinson
Guest
Millie Devereux
Guest
Sam Morgan
Guest
Sue Brand
Guest
Leon Cole
Guest
Deep-dive analytics for First Festival
Frequently asked questions
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- What is First Festival?
<p>Unlock the secrets to building a sustainable, thriving event with First Festival, the essential podcast for micro and small festival organisers. </p><p></p><p>Hosted by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) CEO John Rostron, each episode pairs festival movers-and-shakers with experts to tackle everything from finding your niche to licensing, marketing, environmental impact, and so much more.</p><p></p><p>Hear unfiltered first edition stories from world-class founders and gain the practical blueprints you need to professionalise your festival’s future. </p><p></p><p>Find out more about the Association of Independent Festivals here - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.aiforg.com" target="_blank">www.aiforg.com</a></p><p></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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