By Nick Morgan, CEO of The Fair and Chair of UKEVENTS Outdoor Events Working Group

In the vibrant heart of the UK lies a cultural phenomenon that has enchanted the world for generations: our festival, music, and cultural events. These events have not only become integral to our national identity but have also fuelled our economy, attracted millions of visitors from around the world, and continue to provide countless jobs. However, the UK events industry faces continued challenges, and it is time for everyone to recognise the looming crisis and act collectively to preserve the spirit of our nation's creative heritage.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, met with Sir John Whittingdale OBE, MP, the interim Minister for Tourism and Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology, on 4th September, 2023. The meeting, initiated in response to a letter from the Minister, discussed specific areas in which the events sector could contribute to the United Kingdom's economy and growth prospects.

By Access All Areas - The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has set up an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for independent festivals. The APPG will be chaired by Giles Watling, the Conservative MP for Clacton, who has been a longtime member of the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the events industry, has confirmed the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) as its newest partner.

NCASS is the only membership organisation in the UK to support independent food and drink businesses and has been supporting its members to be safe, legal, and profitable for over 30 years. Its key priorities include raising the profile of its members among the wider events industry, raising safety standards, and to educate on LPG safety.

Apprenticeships are a vital tool for enhancing the availability of talent in the events industry, but Richard Waddington, Lead, Event Apprenticeships, argues that perceptions must change and that industry leaders should be more active in encouraging them.