A New Chapter for a Cultural Charity

Michelle Kent • December 19, 2024

Arundel Festivals & Events Press Release

Arundel Festivals and Events, the charity behind the Arundel Festival of the Arts (AFOTA), is embracing a transformative new chapter following the appointment of a fresh Board of Trustees in February 2024. This change signals a renewed focus on delivering a dynamic and sustainable programme of cultural activities that will re-energise both the charity and the festival.


For decades, the August festival has been a highlight of the Arundel calendar, and the new trustees remain committed to honouring the positive heritage that has helped shape the organisation into what it is today. Alongside reinvigorating AFOTA in 2025 there is a bold commitment to expand its reach and impact and deliver new initiatives that celebrate creativity, foster inclusivity, and engage the entire community.


This strategic shift reflects a renewed commitment to listening to and collaborating with the people of Arundel. We are working to strengthen our relationships with local artists, businesses, and residents, ensuring that the charity serves as a unifying force for cultural development. By focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, we aim to create opportunities for greater participation in the arts and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural expression.


Despite being a challenging year for the new trustees, 2024 has delivered a clearer vision for governance and sustainability, ensuring the charity is well-equipped to deliver its mission effectively. As part of this transition, the Trustees are keen to express appreciation to Sharon, who has now stepped away from her role as Festival Director, for her tireless dedication over the past five years. Her contribution, passion and energy have been instrumental in shaping the festival and will remain a valued part of the charity’s journey.


For more information about Arundel Festivals and Events, our updated mission, and upcoming activities, please visit www.arundelfestival.co.uk



End of Press Release For media inquiries, please contact – trustees@arundelfestival.co.uk


By Michelle Kent October 14, 2024
Arundel Festival of the Arts Celebrates Community, Cultural and Collaboration Success
By Michelle Kent August 5, 2024
"Arundel Festival - building for the future - connecting people with a shared vision
By Karl Salter June 24, 2021
Committee Roles and Volunteer Opportunities available. “Volunteers are unpaid. Not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless” As we slowly and carefully emerge from COVID lockdown, the Arundel Festival of the Arts Committee are still working hard behind the scenes to ensure that when the time is right, we can once again stage a safe and responsible festival. In the meantime we are urgently seeking to fill the following committee roles: Secretary PR/Marketing Lead/Advisor We are also seeking expressions of interest from community minded, “team players” of all ages who can offer a few hours (or days) of their time to make a positive contribution as Arundel Festival of the Arts Volunteers. Your time and skills will be used wisely, as we aim to match volunteers interests, skills, and strengths to appropriate roles and events. Full safety briefings and training will be provided. Support and advice from the Volunteer Co-ordination and Health & Safety Teams will also be available throughout the duration of the Festival. We are currently seeking to build a database of volunteers in the following areas: Welcome/Public Interface/Festival Ambassadors Railway Station Meet and Greet Volunteers Information Desk Volunteers Circus & other Ticketed Events Volunteers (daytime & evening) Pram/Pushchair Park Volunteers ‘Fed & Watered’ Volunteers (lunchtime cover) Parking Volunteers (Mill Road and various Fields) Please email: secretary@arundelfestival.co.uk with your name, email address, contact numbers, areas of interest and time availability (hours/days etc).
Share by: