October 2009

Petworth Festival is pleased to announce the appointment of Stewart Collins as its new Artistic Director. Stewart will be responsible for programming the events for the 2010 Festival, which starts on 10th July.

As its Artistic Director, Mr Collins has for 17 years been responsible for the very successful Henley Festival; an annual event following on a few days after the Regatta, and will continue to arrange this important event. He has been for 11 years, and will continue to be, the executive artistic director at the Holders Season festival in Barbados. Also the chairman of the British Arts Festivals Association, Stewart Collins has enjoyed spells as broadcaster and writer and was a founder member of the international vocal group, Cantabile. Of Petworth, Mr Collins said:

"I am hugely looking forward to taking on the challenge of a quality festival that clearly enjoys tremendous local support. I’m absolutely aware of the dictum ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, but equally I hope to bring some of my own specialities, passions and experience to a very special festival."

Robin Bryant, the Chairman of Petworth Festival said:

"We could hardly believe our luck in being able to attract Stewart to take us through the next stage of our development – I am quite confident that Stewart will enjoy himself here and I know we shall enjoy having him at Petworth."