Non-profit music collective launches festival in ‘rescue plan’ for UK gig circuit

Members to co-own event that organisers say will cut costs by up to 40% after 78 independent festivals closed last year

A group of festival organisers and grassroots venues have launched a “pioneering, gamechanging music collective” to counter what they say is the slow collapse of the UK’s alternative live circuit.

Blaming soaring costs and corporate dominance for pushing dozens of smaller events to close, the not-for-profit festival will bring together independent festivals, venues and collectives to share resources, cut costs and pool audiences.