Finding Your Festival Vision

What this episode covers

Let's explore the foundational spark of any event - The Vision. In this episode we are joined by Leon Cole, co-founder of the legendary rave festival Field Maneuvers, as he charts their transition from a party for 300 to a near 2,000 capacity 'no-frills' success story. The discussion covers the importance of staying true to your creative roots, the steep learning curves of festival economics, and the art of slow and sustainable growth. In the second half, industry expert Dulcie Horn joins the show to reflect on Leon's story and share some of her expertise in brand positioning, community building, and why telling your story is the most powerful marketing tool a small festival has. LEON COLE (Field Maneuvers)Leon is one of the co-founders and directors of Field Maneuvers, a festival renowned for its high-spec rave ethos and intimate atmosphere. Alongside co-directors Ele and Henry, Leon helped launch the event in 2013 as a reaction to the over-branding and 'boutique-ation' of larger festivals. He is a staunch advocate for focusing on the dance floor and the wellbeing of the audience above all else, ditching corporate expansion for lazers, lazers, lazers - fieldmaneuvers.comDULCIE HORN (Chuffed Digital)Dulcie Horn is the founder of Chuffed Digital, a creative agency specialising in social-first content and organic marketing for festivals and retreats. With over a decade of experience, Dulcie’s career began in the nightlife culture of Bristol before she spent five years leading digital marketing at Boomtown. She now focuses on helping smaller events find their unique voice and build lasting connections with their communities through authentic storytelling - chuffed.digitalFind out more about the Association of Independent Festivals here - aiforg.comTake a look at new UK independent festival discovery platform - here.liveAre you part of the Micro & Very Small Festival Development Programme 2026? Keep the conversation going and share your questions and talking points in our dedicated WhatsApp Group. Got a question for an upcoming Q&A episode? Pop it in the comments on your podcast platform, email us at [email protected], or message Sophie directly. Don't miss an episode! Subscribe or Follow for the very latest chat.Brought to you by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), edited by Trevor Deeble (Bex-Pop), produced by Sophie Evans

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