BAFA Member Insurance

The History of BAFA

The British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA) plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of arts festivals across the UK. Established in 1969, BAFA is a membership organisation representing a wide variety of arts festivals, from volunteer-run events to major international gatherings. The association’s mission is to advocate for and support festivals, offering networking opportunities, sharing best practice, and providing professional development to its members. Over the years, BAFA has become a vital voice in speaking for the arts festivals sector, helping to ensure that it continues to flourish and contribute to the UK's rich cultural landscape.

From its founding, BAFA has sought to foster a collaborative network among festival organisers, performers, and arts professionals. The rise of arts festivals in the mid-20th century, particularly in the post-war era, marked a significant cultural shift in Britain, as festivals became platforms for celebrating diverse forms of creativity, including music, theatre, literature, visual arts, and more. BAFA has been instrumental in supporting the sector’s development by creating the conditions for festivals to become more resilient and sustainable through joint working, CPD, resource sharing sectoral advocacy.

The association also advocates for arts festivals at both national and regional levels, working with government bodies and other stakeholders to promote policies that benefit the sector. In recent years, BAFA has placed greater emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, and innovation within its programme, ensuring that members can adapt to the evolving needs of artists and audiences alike.

BAFA’s history includes a longstanding partnership with Graham Sykes Insurance, a specialist provider of insurance policies for festivals and events. This collaboration is crucial, as festivals inherently involve numerous logistical challenges and potential risks. Graham Sykes Insurance offers tailored insurance solutions specifically designed for festivals, covering a wide range of risks, such as public liability, cancellation, and adverse weather conditions.

For BAFA members, access to comprehensive and reliable insurance cover is essential to safeguarding the financial viability of their events. The partnership between BAFA and Graham Sykes Insurance ensures that festivals can operate confidently, knowing they are protected against unforeseen circumstances. This collaboration in turn contributes to the stability and growth of the UK’s festival landscape, helping to secure the future of arts festivals and their positive impact on local communities and cultural life.