BBC Radio WM interviews Lichfield Festival Director
It was great to hear Damian, Festival Director, in a brief radio interview this morning, 20th May, on the Elise Evans Show, BBC Radio WM.
Damian, who puts together the programme for Lichfield Festival, spoke of some of the highlights for 2023 including Nitin Sawhney and Kate Rusby, the two headline performers. Elise remembered that Kate Rusby featured in Ruth Jones’ Desert Island Discs choices (Ruth – of Gavin and Stacey and Stella fame)!
The interview highlighted the format of the Festival where the Cathedral hosts a main event every day for 11 days with several other performances and sessions taking place in other Lichfield venues such as The Hub at St Mary’s and Lichfield Garrick Theatre.
There was some reminiscing over the Festival’s 40th birthday celebrations last year where Festival Patron Tony Hadley performed to a packed Cathedral audience. This led to a mention of the 2022 West Midlands Choir of the Year competition and the winners Cor Bach who will be singing at the 2023 Festival as part of their prize. Cor Bach is Welsh for ‘Little Choir’.
Lichfield itself was highly recommended by both Elise and Damian as a lovely place to visit and spend time. “Beautiful backdrop. We love Lichfield. It’s a gorgeous spot to have these great gigs happening – music, comedy, fireworks – it’s all there for you” commented Elise.
Damian and Elise agreed that the Festival’s free community fireworks in Beacon Park will prove to be a big hit – they follow the BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ performance to close the Festival for another year.
Listen here
(you can jump straight to the interview at 1:12:00)