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Fringe leader joins Durham culture bid

Durham’s bid to become the UK’s first City of Culture is to receive creative guidance from the former head of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Paul Gudgin, who helped transform the Fringe into one of the world’s most famous showcases of comic, music and theatrical talent, joins as a creative consultant and is aiming to help Durham win the new government prize which launched in July.

Gudgin said: “Durham is a romantic and striking city with compactness, historic beauty and opportunities to stage outstanding festivals and events. It is the perfect canvas upon which the city and county of Durham can make a major contribution to the nation’s cultural life.

“Paul first became involved with Durham when he advised on the development of Brass: Durham International Festival.

“Like many people I had admired Durham’s sublime city skyline for years from the seat of a passing train on route to my home in Edinburgh, but after working with the county’s cultural community, I have developed a special bond with the place and believe Durham would be a deserving winner of the first UK City of Culture title.”

Paul will work alongside Durham’s bid team to develop a programme of festivals and events as well as helping raise the national profile of the county.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .