Prolific music promoter and Kilimanjaro Live CEO StuartGalbraith has joined the Association of Independent Festivals as a board member, adding Wakestock, Vans Warped Tour and Sonisphere to the ever-expanding list of names under the AIF umbrella.

Other new additions to the AIF roster in recent months also include Tramlines, In The Woods Festival, Greenbelt, London Summer Jam, Folk on the Water, Brecon Jazz, Larmer Tree, Festibelly, Imaginadium, Open House Festival, Blissfields and Huw Stevens’ SWN Festival.

The three Kilimanjaro festivals add even more variety to the AIF’s eclectic group. Wakestock brings a fusion of wakeboarding and music from the stunning Llyn Peninsula whilst the UK leg of the Vans Warped Tour showcases the best in skateboarding talent alongside top pop-punk, emo and metal bands. Back for its second consecutive year, Vans Warped Tour will once again take place at Alexandra Palace but will expand from a one-day, to a two-day festival. Sonisphere will bring its brand of punk, hard rock and heavy metal to AIF and can boast such past heavyweights as Iron Maiden, Metallica and Slayer. 

Galbraith joins a board at AIF that includes Rob Challice, Coda Booking Agent and Festival Director for Summer Sundae, Radio One DJ and Bestival Curator Rob da Bank, WOMAD Festival Director Chris Smith, CEO of Generator and Evolution Festival Director Jim Mawdsley and Sid Sharma, Founder and Creative Director of Shambala.

Following Galbraith’s buying AEG out of Kilimanjaro Live in March last year, the founder and former Live Nation MD gained full control of the company rendering it completely independent. As an independent entity Kilimanjaro Live was then able to put its festivals forward to enter the AIF festival group.

All additions included, the festivals under AIF’s banner now number 42 and include likes of Secret Garden Party, Bestival, Kendal Calling, WOMAD, Nozstock: The Hidden Valley Festival, Green Man and Eden Sessions. 

Stuart Galbraith, CEO Kilimanjaro Live said“Kilimanjaro are delighted to be joining AIF, bringing with us the festival brands we’re involved with – including Wakestock, Vans Warped and Sonisphere. 

We’re already enjoying working with the independent entrepreneurs that are driving so many wonderful festivals throughout the UK and look forward to sharing information and experiences with them going forward.” 

Co-founder and Deputy Chair of AIF, Ben Turner said “AIF's board will be a livelier place with the addition of Stuart. He has wanted to be a part of AIF for some time, and now he's finally become fully independent it’s the right time. His knowledge, expertise and relationships within the live music sector are already proving to be hugely valuable to the conversations and actions around AIF.”