What do you do with DaDa?
I’m a freelance Producer, part of a team reporting to our Executive Producer. I help her to manage the planning and logistics of this year’s festival. I work closely with specific artists and venue teams, to ensure the events run smoothly.
Tell us a bit about your background
I’ve always been a “crack on and get things done” kind of person. In a former career during the 1990’s, I worked 10+ years for national health and disability charities, in advice and advocacy, volunteer management, education and training. Then I was CEO of a Citizens Advice service. Hat’s off to everyone doing frontline advice and support work; it can be tough, and the pace is relentless.
When I’m not at DaDa, I’m promoting other brilliant festivals, and all kinds of artists. Since 2003, I’ve been self-employed, running my own PR agency and PR Coaching business. I represent organisations and teach individuals (mostly creatives and performers) how to do their own PR campaigns.
What do you like to do outside of work?
As the child of a former bookseller and library club leader, perhaps unsurprisingly, the activities I enjoy most involve reading, visiting libraries and browsing bookshops. I’m a documentary film nerd too. When I’m not working at festivals or arts organisations, I’m a huge fan of Northern Soul music and dancing, doing my bit to “Keep The Faith” at heritage dancehalls around the East of England, where I’m usually based.