The grassroots live sector stands at a crossroads. Grassroots venues are closing, independent festivals are collapsing, the squeeze of corporate dominance and creeping Government authoritarianism are being felt across the landscape and the creative ecosystem that once defined British culture is under threat.
However, there is a solution, and a new movement is on the rise. Imagine….
A return to the roots of the grassroots industry – a place where the creative spirit and the core values of festival culture were upheld. High quality production is standard, musical diversity the foundation, and where audiences feel valued, respected and a deep sense of community.
A place where ‘All Good Things Come Together’…
Introducing: ‘Where It All Began’
A new, collaborative, not-for-profit festival designed to secure the future of grassroots music, venues, festivals and creative culture. Championing independent artists, fostering discovery and shared experiences —ensuring that music, art, and festival culture remain accessible, authentic, and thriving for future generations.
‘Where It All Began’ will be held on the renowned and historic festival site of Secret Garden Party – the festival that inspired a wave of creativity across the UK industry.
Set for 18th-21st June 2026, the festival will celebrate the Summer Solstice and the official start to the UK festival season.
The festival will focus on delivering high quality production values, an immensely eclectic live and electronic music program, comfortable intimate venue spaces, exceptional street food, an array of independent brews, and a carefully crafted cocktail menu that’s been years in the making.
The festival is designed to welcome between 5,000 and 8,000 music-loving festivalgoers, maintaining an intimate and comfortable atmosphere across a thoughtfully planned site.
With at least seven stages varying in scale and style. Chai Wallahs will serve as the central gathering point—a boutique-esque melting pot of sound and community. The layout ensures ample space to explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, with no sound clashes, clean amenities, and a focus on comfort, flow, and connection throughout.
The intended result, a vibrant, refreshing and rewarding environment with something for every taste, where everyone is welcome and a good time is guaranteed.
Guided by festival veterans and industry organisations, ‘Where It All Began’ aims to ignite a nationwide movement — one that champions creative discovery and cultural enrichment, proving that the true value of an event lies not in profit, but in the lasting impact it leaves on people and communities.
A New Model For The Future
‘Where It All Began’ emerges to pioneer a new, community-owned model, that delivers:
A not-for-profit initiative with no shareholders — every penny goes straight back into seeding and sustaining the grassroots community.
Fair pay and opportunity for grassroots artists, by providing quality performance platforms, removing inflated high-profile artist fees and upholding MU (Musicians’ Union) pay standards.
Shared benefits model for all participating partners. Allowing struggling venues, festivals and promoters to generate income without stress and financial risk.
Collaborative approach to programming, resulting in a line-up of the finest independent and emerging artists from across the nation and beyond.
A higher artistic budget for grassroots programmers. Utilising the VAT cultural exemption to boost artist budgets, funding richer creative content and higher production values.
Affordable pricing for audiences, driven by savings generated through collaboration, resource sharing and supportive partnerships with industry suppliers.
Pathways to Industry initiatives, including the creation of a youth led venue, in partnership with Leeds Conservatoire, BIMM Music Institute, Festival Lab and Diplomats of Sound CIC.
Inspiring and supporting the next generation of creatives, through incentive based and meaningful opportunities to engage with live music and the grassroots industry.
‘Where it All Began’ will initially be funded through a scalable, crowdfunded model — expanding its capacity, partnerships, and programme in direct proportion to the funds raised.
The ‘Where It All Began’ Crowdfunder drops November 7th, 2025 — inviting supporters to join the movement and become part of the founding community shaping a new era for grassroots culture.
Supporters of this initiative aren’t just securing an unforgettable festival experience at exceptional value — they’re actively helping to safeguard the UK’s creative and cultural landscape for generations to come.
Backed by Arts Council England, Music Venue Trust, Association of Independent Festivals, Secret Garden Party, Save Our Scene, The Beat Goes On, and a growing list of national partners including Leeds Conservatoire, BIMM, Festival Lab, Tobacco Factory Theatres, The Jam Jar, The Trinity Centre, Clwb Ifor Bach, Magnetic Live, Hootanannys, The 100 Club, The Fox and Firkin, Woodburner, Band On The Wall and Brudenell Social Club, ‘Where It All Began’ is a collaborative effort to build a sustainable alternative model for independent festivals.
John Rostron, CEO of AIF (Association of Independent Festivals), said: “We are proud to support ‘Where It All Began’ – an ambitious and essential initiative that will play a crucial role in sustaining independent festivals and venues for years to come. ‘Where it all Began’ offers a collaborative solution by providing struggling independent festivals with a platform to programme stages, retain their brand identity, and engage new audiences”.
“MVT warmly welcomes the new festival model for ‘Where It All Began’. It’s an important opportunity to bring together independent musicians, venues, promoters, bookers, festivals, and the whole ecosystem in which grassroots culture exists. It’s this kind of initiative that will foster multiple platforms for emerging artists to perform but also provide great spaces for some of the country’s best loved grassroots venues to present the breadth and depth of their programming.”
– Mark Davyd, CEO, Music Venue Trust
“A bold and much-needed initiative that aligns perfectly with the ethos of independent festivals. I firmly believe that ‘Where it All Began’ has the potential to redefine how independent festivals operate, creating a scalable and collaborative model that ensures festivals, grassroots venues, and artists can continue to thrive despite industry challenges.” – Freddie Fellowes, Founder, Secret Garden Party
Representatives of ‘Grassroots Rising’, ‘Where It All Began’ and key partners are available for interviews, features and in-depth conversations.
