First Festival

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

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

In this introductory episode, John Rostron (AIF CEO) and Sophie Evans (AIF Campaigns & Resources) reveal what you can expect from the First Festival podcast. They talk about the origins and purpose of the AIF, share their own First Festival memories, and outline the key topics the podcast will tackle - all designed to support emerging micro and very small festival organisers professionalise and sustain their festivals.GuestsJohn Rostron – CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF). John joined the AIF in November 2022 and is passionate about representing a network of 170+ independent festivals across the UK.Sophie Evans – Campaigns & Resources at the AIF and Producer of the First Festival podcast. Sophie has an extensive background working in live music, events and as a independent festival organiser.This podcast has been originally produced by the AIF as part of their Micro & Very Small Festival Development Programme 2026. It is funded by the Live Trust. Find out more about the Live Trust here - www.livetrust.orgFind out more about the Association of Independent Festivals here - www.aiforg.comTake a look at new UK independent festival discovery platform here.live.Are 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 chatCreditsBrought to you by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), edited by Trevor Deeble (Bex-Pop), produced by Sophie EvansMusic(1) Artist: Tai Hâf Heb Drigolyn, Track: Siwgr (2) Artist: Soft Hearted Scientists, Track: At Night The Quarry Glows Like A Mothership