Budleigh Festival appoints new artistic director

KATE ABBEY has been appointed the new artistic director of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, taking over from ANNIE ASHWORTH, who has been in post for seven years.

Abbey has worked as a literature festival programmer since 2016, most recently as head of programming and creative content at Bath Festivals, where she also oversaw the artistic direction of Bath Children’s Literature Festival.

In 2023 she co-founded the community interest company Bath Arts Collective.

Abbey said: “I’ve lived and breathed book festivals for close to a decade now and seen the power and joy that comes with connecting through writing and conversations. I’m delighted to take on this role and continue Annie Ashworth’s brilliant work as well as getting to collaborate with the festival’s president CATHY RENTZENBRICK and the whole Budleigh team.

“I hope to showcase amazing, established and new writers, amplify underrepresented voices, support local creatives and ensure inclusive experiences for the whole community.”

Festival chair SUE BRIGGS added: “We’re delighted to welcome Kate Abbey as our new artistic director. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for literature, having demonstrated remarkable vision and leadership in her previous roles.

“We are excited about the ideas and perspectives she will bring to our festival as we continue to build on the wonderful work of our former artistic director, Annie Ashworth, and grow and strengthen our position as one of the region’s most popular literary events.”