18th November 2009
Association of Independent Festivals – Networking meeting
Walking into the very cool Miss Q bar somewhere in London, we almost missed the group of festival managers, programmers and suppliers, by sitting in another area of the bar, thinking we were the first here… Not so turn the corner where the bar opens right out and there are over 300 music weekender industry types. We put on our schmooze faces and head to the bar, desperate for a “Large red please – No any is fine” I’m not that fussy.
The first lady we meet was putting her coat into the cloakroom as we arrive, glamorous and trendy with very short hair, turns out she runs Hotel Bell Tent the Boutique camping at festivals like Glastonbury. Belle Tent creates a little oasis of luxury in the madness that surrounds. This could entice me back to Glasto after nine trips there since 1990 I was fast getting over the mud.
The music Festival industry is very different to the Arts festivals. On mass a clearly different type of person, but individually they all overcome and combat similar difficulties and strive for a similar goal. I have been invited to the AIF meeting by BAFA (British Arts Festivals Association, of which I am on the board) to try and find links between the networks and ways in which they could work more closely together. Tonight’s event was organised by the lovely Sharon, who once I met, felt like I had known her for years.
The night went well... Cath and I decided the best place to meet people is at the bar, so we propped it up drinking Gin and Tonics most of the evening. We met some great people in the industry from producers, agents and organisers.
We left late and trekked all the way to the other side of London to stay with Caths friend who lives in a flat owned by the Bow Arts Trust.
Next morning we need to be at the 02 Arena for the UK festival awards and conference...
