Freedom Festival Arts welcomes new executive director

LORNA FULTON has been named executive director at Freedom Festival Arts.

A festival and programme producer with more than 30 years of leading high-profile cultural events across the UK, Fulton has held roles including creative director at contemporary arts development agency Art Reach, co-artistic director of Durham Brass Festival and head of Middlesbrough Town Hall, a position she left in protest at the local council’s decision to override the venue’s programming.

She was also the festival director for SO Festival in Skegness and East Lindsey, as well as the artistic director of Lathe Revival.

Fulton will work under the leadership of festival director PHIL HARGREAVES, who joined the organisation in September 2024.

She said, “I’m delighted to be joining Freedom Festival at this exciting time in its development and working with the team, communities, and cultural organisations to continue to make Hull thrive locally, nationally and internationally.”