In the run-up to IFF 2026, we’re catching up With festivals attending this year’s event to explore the ideas, trends and experiences shaping the wider festival landscape.
What’s your advice for fellow bookers navigating the market in your region right now?
Proceed with caution. It’s not the boom time it was in recent years, and whilst we want to keep momentum moving positively forwards, I’d advise taking a long-term view as we’re seeing plenty of unsustainable action happening at the moment.
What does a strong agent-booker relationship actually look like in practice?
The ability to honestly and transparently discuss the reality of the situation, in a timely fashion. The best relationships I have are the ones where it genuinely feels like we’re pulling in the same direction and are in it together to ultimately get things done.
Are there genres or artists on the rise that the wider industry hasn’t caught up with yet?
There’s never been a time where so many Asian artists across scale, genre and profile are getting attention in the West. Whilst K-pop has helped open the door, plenty of further alternatives for music artist discovery are coming through in ever-greater numbers, and long may this trend continue.
How would you explain IFF to someone who has never been?
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once!
What are you most looking forward to about attending IFF again?
I highly value the unscheduled, in-between bits of IFF. The hang time at the bar, catching up with folks old and new, is always somewhere that’s not only fun, but where I end up learning some tidbit or starting some conversation that proves useful down the road.
IFF LDN 2026 Venue Host
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