In this episode, we dive into the financial heartbeat of event planning, covering budgeting, ticketing, and ancillary revenue.

Shane Daunt, the organiser of Reading's Are You Listening and Down at the Abbey festivals, shares his journey of building sustainable local events, highlighting the realities of ticketing partnerships and bar operations. To complete the picture, finance expert Chris Carter offers crucial advice on tracking real-time costs and managing your financial risks.

Shane Daunt - Co-Founder and Managing Director of Are You Listening and Down At The Abbey festivals. downattheabbey.co.uk / areyoulistening.org.uk

Chris Carter - Founder and CEO of Eventwise. An all-in-one financial management platform designed for festivals. eventwise.com

Arts Council England (ACE) - Supporting Grassroots Music Fund: artscouncil.org.uk/supporting-arts-museums-and-libraries/supporting-grassroots-music

Gigantic Tickets - gigantic.com

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.

Find out more about the Association of Independent Festivals here - www.aiforg.com

Brought to you by the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), edited by Trevor Deeble (bex.pop), produced by Sophie Evans.

MUSIC

(1) Artist: Tai Hâf Heb Drigolyn, Track: Siwgr

(2) Artist: Soft Hearted Scientists, Track: At Night The Quarry Glows Like A Mothership