At the conclusion of The Grange Festival’s notably well-received 2023 season the Chair informed the Board that he has decided that the time is now right for him to step down. The Board and management team wish to offer him heartfelt thanks for his work on behalf of the Festival over the last few years as well as for his generosity. He has steered the Festival’s recovery from the considerable strains resulting from the pandemic with a sure hand and leaves it in good health.

Sir Richard Mantle, the outgoing General Director of Opera North, has been appointed as Interim Chair while a search is conducted for a long-term successor. He commented:

Fellow trustee Caroline Greenhalgh has been appointed as Interim Vice Chair.