…but they really can be. They create opportunity, change emotions and can enhance lives in myriad seen and hidden ways. That’s what I love the most about Harrogate International Festivals.

I’m from Harrogate originally, grew up here and had the benefit of the Festival offering me BB King, the Halle and a host of world famous artists on my doorstep growing up. Did the obligatory decade away for uni and worked in the travel trade running music tours across the world before returning north to set up the North Yorkshire Youth Music Action Zone, before happily ended up at the Festivals.

…. reaching as many people as possible. I moved up north to study music at university and married a northerner. Having travelled far and wide, it’s still one of the most beautiful places to be. My first ‘proper’ job was with HIF and I’m delighted to be back as part of the extended family. When not working I can be found vanning, triathloning and eating.

…to see the world from new perspectives. I love the way festivals bring people together to celebrate this.

I was born in Wakefield but migrated South when I left school, eventually making my way back to Yorkshire via London and Bristol. I’ve lived in Harrogate for three years with my husband and young family, enjoying the best of both worlds with the dales on the doorstep and all the town has to offer.

I come from an agency background, having worked in CRM, print fulfilment and media evaluation and planning for clients ranging from small charities to global tech giants.

…and completing my MA in Publishing in York, I am delighted to be developing my career in arts events here in Harrogate.

I have previously worked with other festivals and in hospitality but have always gravitated toward the arts. As a lifelong lover of reading, it has been fantastic to join the team and discover just how powerful arts festivals can be for communities—whether through literature, music, or everything in between.

…Financial Controller, having come from a background in various Finance roles, and most recently running my own food business!

I’m Yorkshire born & bred, I grew up in York but have lived in Harrogate for over 10 years, living in London, Sydney & Newcastle in between. I live with my husband and two young boys.

I love always having a good book on the go and going to the theatre and live gigs when time allows! I’m really looking forward to learning more about all the different festivals run by the amazing team at the Festivals.

…and to Harrogate in 2018. I am a widow with two grown up children and one grandson.

I have a very diverse taste in music and love to attend live concerts and gigs, whether it be modern or classical. I also have a love of the written word and enjoy reading crime fiction, historical novels and autobiographies. I also enjoy writing and in the last year or so have started writing a novel, which one day I hope to finish and get published.

I have worked for HIF since January 2019 with a two year break because of Covid, but I am now back and loving every minute of it.

…I know they have been for me – so it is wonderful to be part of a team that brings music, literature, art and immersive experiences to communities of all ages and backgrounds in Harrogate.

I have worked with Team HIF in various guises since 2015, from supporting teenage mothers and their children through Musical Mums to dealing with the tantrums of some of the world’s most famous artists – you’ll need to buy me a beer if you want to hear those stories!

Although I am not from Harrogate, (I currently live in Huddersfield), it is always great to deliver events in such a beautiful town that is filled with friendly and welcoming audiences.