At risk music festivals consider membership model

A new membership-based festival model is being trialled as a possible solution for for an industry "on its knees".

Grassroots Rising, which is set to go ahead next year, is the brainchild of Bristol rooted venue, Chai Wallahs.

The scheme has been backed by the Music Venues Trust, venues, promoters and artists nationwide who believe this could be the only hope to getting those struggling in the industry back on their feet.

Chai Wallahs founder Si Chai said the new model could be the key to helping an industry "on its knees" and facing "financial challenges".

According to the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF), the UK lost 78 festivals in 2024 alone, more than double that of 2023.

Si Chai said the new festival model would reduce independent running costs and bring down ticket prices to a more affordable level.

"Grassroots Rising not only offers a solution to the financial challenges the industry faces but, as a celebration of strictly independent music and grassroots culture, will also address the imbalances between commercially supported and non-supported artists.

"The industry is on its knees," he said.

Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venues Trust, said the initiative will "foster multiple platforms for emerging artists" and will support much loved grassroots venues nationally.

"It's an important opportunity to bring together independent musicians, venues, promoters, bookers, festivals, and the whole ecosystem in which grassroots culture exists," he said.

George Fleming, founder of Save Our Scene, who also backs the scheme said anyone who is willing to put "their heart and soul" into delivering a grassroots festival in the current climate "deserves to be paraded down the street".

"We look forward to supporting in any way we can," he said.

Music fans will be able to buy their membership through a crowdfunder and choose the artists they want to see at the festival.

Membership opens in September.

Grassroots Rising Festival will take place in Cambridgeshire from 18-21 June, 2026.

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