My Top Tips may have been mentioned before, but I've only just seen this thread.

I run Saddleworth Folk Festival, and we're still pretty new (6 years), so we're still learning.

1. Go to lots of other festivals - make yourself known and visible so that poeople come to yours, and also see what works / what doesn't.

2. Don't cut corners on your advertising - it really does pay dividends.

3. Make time to look for sponsorship - money doesn't generally fall in to your lap unfortunately.

4. Keep it small and friendly to begin with - make time to speak to all your punters - that way they're kore likely to return.

5. Think very carefully about your campsite - there are some festivals which I will not go to now because of the poor facilities.

Good Luck! And enjoy it!!

Ali (Sadleworth Festival)