We are delighted to announce that Ben Stickler has joined the team at The Festival Hall as General Manager.

Ben comes from a background of working on events of all shapes and sizes, from Glastonbury Festival to small gigs in community halls. He is bringing his wealth of experience into The Festival Hall and its next chapter after becoming an established community venue. He is passionate about all kinds of live performance and about community so looks to bring the two together as much as possible in this role.

Ben started his professional career as a youth worker, which instilled in him a value to help young people fulfill their potential and he aims to bring that same attitude into The Festival Hall and how he manages the team.

As General Manager, Ben’s focus will be to ensure the smooth running of all Front of House event operations, with staff, volunteers, stock and safety protocols including regulations that impact on the venue – such as Martyn’s Law which is due to come into force around April 2027.

He will be the Deputy for Venue Manager Sean Ridley, and takes the lead on the Front of House, Hospitality, Marketing side of the organisation. The role will compliment and work opposite the Buildings and Technical Manager, which is currently available to apply for via the Vacancies page.