Classical singer-turned-Bristol media agency boss Ian Stockley was today appointed as the new chief executive of Bath Festivals as it prepares for its new flagship festival of music and literature for the city.
Ian, pictured, was initially a trustee of Bath Festivals, then chaired the strategic advisory group looking at the future direction of Bath Festivals, which brought together music, literature and other art forms to shape the new Bath Festival. 
Following his early career as a classical singer, he moved into marketing and in 2000 launched Bristol-based marketing agency Indicia.
He said: “I am delighted to accept this challenge and look forward to working with our outstanding team. We will be at the leading edge of festivals around the world, highly visible in the city, appealing to audiences of all kinds, reaching people who might not otherwise have access to the arts, and above all pushing the boundaries of what a festival can do.”
Also joined Bath Festivals today is Clare Jack as director of development.
The two key appointments have been made ahead of the annual Bath Festival in May, which supersedes the Bath Literature Festival and the Bath International Music Festival.
The new festival will bring an increased number of world-class artists and writers to the city, reinforcing its position as a leading national arts centre and enabling it to compete for the first time against festival cities such as Edinburgh and Cheltenham.
Highlights include Sir Salman Rushdie, in his only appearance outside Paris and London, much-loved doyenne of the kitchen Mary Berry speaking about her extraordinary career in cookery, and performances by singer Georgie Fame and acclaimed American singer Madeleine Peyroux.
Clare Jack makes the move from Wiltshire Music Centre, where she held the role of executive director for six years, overseeing a significant development and fundraising budget.
As development director she will be responsible for leading, developing and adapting fundraising and development strategy in order to financially support the business.
Chair of Bath Festivals, John Cullum DL – who is also non-executive chairman of Bristol PR consultancy JBP – said: “From a strong selection of candidates for both roles, Ian and Clare stood out and I’m delighted to welcome them to the team.
“They both bring a remarkable combination of skills and passion that will help drive our festivals forward. Ian is incredibly commercially minded, having built a highly successful marketing agency.
“He also brings a deep love and understanding of music from his early career as a classical singer. With Ian’s leadership and guidance, Bath Festivals will not only be at the forefront of literature and music events, but will encourage exciting new ways of bringing experiences to our audiences.”
The festival will boast more than 130 events over 10 days from May 19 to 28. It will bring some of the world’s leading writers, musicians and cultural figures into the city’s iconic buildings and onto its streets.
Classical, jazz and folk music will be heard alongside contemporary fiction, intelligent debate, science, history, politics and poetry, with concerts, discussions and collaborations and many free events across the city of Bath.
The festival will be launched with Bath’s biggest free night of music, Party in the City, on May 19.
Bath Festivals employs nine members of staff. Last year more than 50,000 people attended Bath Festivals events.
For the full programme for the 2017 festival, visit thebathfestival.org.uk
