People, Purpose & Community - First Festival

What this episode covers

Let's explore the lifeblood of any event - the People that make it happen. In this episode we're joined by Sue Brand, founder of the mission-led TestFest, as she charts their journey from a small party in a field to a successful music festival dedicated to testicular cancer awareness. The discussion covers the importance of staying true to your purpose, the nuances of building an entirely volunteer-led team, and the massive social impact achievable through small, intimate events. In the second half, industry expert Rob Wilkinson joins the show to share his wisdom in volunteer management, legal staffing frameworks, and why expectation management is the most critical tool for keeping your festival teams happy and sustainable.SUE BRAND (Test Fest) Sue is the founder and organiser of TestFest, a festival built around the vital mission of saving lives through music and community. Based in the South West, Sue has developed a dedicated following for her charity, Its in the Bag, by using quirky awareness campaigns to engage young men in vital health conversations that helps saves lives - itsinthebag.org.uk/test-fest-2026ROB WILKINSON (Ethical Staffing & My Cause UK) Rob is the director and founder of Ethical Staffing and My Cause UK, specialising in fair and legally sound team management for the events industry. With over a decade of experience, Rob has deployed thousands of volunteers across major UK festivals, helping organisers professionalise their future through expert staffing strategies - ethicalstaff.co.uk & mycauseuk.comNCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations): A key resource for legal guidance and volunteer management frameworks - ncvo.org.ukAssociation of Volunteer Managers (AVM): A professional network offering support for those managing volunteer teams - volunteermanagers.org.ukFind 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(1) Artist: Tai Hâf Heb Drigolyn, Track: Siwgr (2) Artist: Soft Hearted Scientists, Track: At Night The Quarry Glows Like A Mothership

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of First Festival?

This episode is 59 minutes long.

When was this First Festival episode published?

This episode was published on May 2, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Let's explore the lifeblood of any event - the People that make it happen. In this episode we're joined by Sue Brand, founder of the mission-led TestFest, as she charts their journey from a small party in a field to a successful music festival...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

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