Heather James (Chair) 

Heather has a successful background in sales and marketing working for international companies including EMI Records and Coca Cola & Schweppes.  A former Brighton & Hove City Councillor and chair of the Sussex Police Strategic Independent Advisory Group, she has worked with communities and organisations across Brighton and Hove over many years and has extensive experience of developing new forums and stakeholder groups across Sussex. Heather joined the Fringe Board in 2005 with an ambition to establish Brighton Fringe as the most successful and inclusive Fringe in the world.

“The best thing about Brighton Fringe is the exuberance and fun it brings to our city and the feel-good effect this has on everyone.  The Fringe can make you feel the sun is shining even when it isn't!”

Colin Matthews (Vice Chair) 

Colin has been involved with the arts/cultural scene in Brighton since late 60s. Run/promoted nightclubs and concerts in 80’s and 90’s. He was the gallery manager for University Gallery from 1989 to 2008 and Sallis Benney Theatre Manager from 1995 to 2008 as well as executive producer of the ‘Visions’ festival of international animated theatre. He was also chair of Zap Art for years and member of NHS Arts Advisory Board. Joined the Fringe board to ensure the festival becomes fully independent and robust, providing access to arts for all.

“The best feeling in May is the artistic vibrancy throughout Brighton and Hove.”

David Crosby 

David is a partner and co-founder of Crosby & Moore Solicitors.  He joined the Fringe Board when he moved to Brighton and was asked to attend a meeting. It has been a pleasure and great learning experience for him to have been involved from the start.

“In terms of the month of May, well for me I love the visual appearance across the city of Fringe events, they are big, bold and great to see. It seems to make people smile and take notice of the creative and somewhat irreverent streak this city has. All the better when the sun shines but no less fun when it rains.”

Judith Manson

Judith moved to Brighton in August 1994 and has never looked back. For over 20 years, she have been involved in newspaper and magazine publishing and since moving to Brighton she launched and ran the Brighton Source magazine for six and a half years. In 2002, she added 3SIXTY magazine to the portfolio. She joined the Pride team as fundraising and communications manager four years ago and was also part of the Brighton Live festival team from 2004-2007 as sponsorship and marketing co-ordinator.

“The Fringe is a fantastic showcase of all that is great about the City we live in, from the weird to the wonderful and everything in between.”   

Steve Bustin 

Steve is a PR consultant and media trainer, working with organisations to raise their profile through the media. He is also a freelance journalist, writing about the arts, current affairs and gardening for a range of publications and also performs as a stand-up comic! Steve is very much interested in reaching new audiences through the arts and thinks that the Fringe is uniquely placed to bring together some of Brighton’s more disparate communities.

“I love seeing the city transformed for the Fringe, with spaces that are often blank and lifeless for the rest of the year being brought into action with temporary venues and social spaces.”

Tracey Allen 

Since 1997, Tracey has worked in Sussex media. Firstly at The Argus and the at Southern FM which entailed a 2-year-spell at Capital Radio. In 2003, she set up and launched their children’s charity “Help a Local Child”. Over the last 15 years she has surrounded herself with talented and blessed people, so she understands the highs and the lows, the difficulties, the demand, the knock backs and the success of being a performer. Now as a member of the Fringe board, she feels she has a chance to make a difference to performers wanting a step up.

“The best thing about Brighton in May is the atmosphere and the buzz – everyone asking each other about “what they are going to see at the Fringe”. She loves walking into town and smelling the excitement. Festival means summer has arrived!”

Allan Spencer 

Allan is the finance director of the University of Sussex and has worked in HE finance for nearly twenty years. He wants to help make the Fringe thrive even further and want to use his experience and enthusiasm to help it grow and flourish.

“My favourite things about the Fringe in May is the variety of content from classical to comedy and the buzz of the city with tents and events down the green artery to the Old Steine.”

Daisy Cresswell

Daisy is a Creative Director with over 15 years experience in Brand Experience. She runs a Social Media agency in London, which manages conversations and relationships in real-time on behalf of brands and celebrities. She joined the Fringe board in order to help them build long-term relationships with their target audiences through digital channels, and to bring her knowledge and expertise back to her hometown!

Soraya Shaw

Soraya enjoyed a successful career in advertising at agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather. Six years ago she launched her management training and development company Springboard Coaching, working with Brighton & Hove and London companies.  Soraya joined the Fringe board both for the love of the arts and to bring her commercial experience to help the Fringe extend awareness, reach wider audiences, and attract diverse performers.

 “The moment you see and smell that buzz that the Fringe brings to the city in May, I feel like a small child at Christmas! Its so vibrant, exciting and its success a testament to all the hard work over the year that the Fringe team puts in. It's fun, it challenges our thinking and its good news for the city’s businesses”.