Salary: £12,000 pa (£30,000 FTE)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time, 2 days per week (15 hours)
Location: Frome, Somerset
Closing Date: 12pm, 20th May 2026
Interviews: 28th May 2026, in-person, Frome
Frome Festival is a community arts programme held across 10 days in July every year throughout the thriving market town of Frome. Now in its 25th year, the festival attracts over 30,000 visitors. Last year, we hosted 278 events in 56 venues, offering a broad range of arts and culture. Over half of the 2025 programme was organised by our local community, showcasing the festival’s clear links to Frome’s unique arts scene.
Our current director is stepping down following the 2026 festival, and we are looking for an exceptional individual to lead Frome Festival into its next chapter. 2027 promises to be a particularly exciting year for the festival, as Frome bids to become the UK’s Town of Culture.
We expect to appoint the director in June 2026 with a starting date in July 2026. There will be a hand-over period of several weeks. Where feasible there will be the opportunity for the appointee to shadow the director during the 2026 Festival (3rd – 12th July 2026).
The Role
This is a part time role averaging two days a week across the year, with more intensive involvement in the run-up to and during the festival itself. You will work closely with an active and supportive board of trustees, and have real creative freedom to help shape the future direction of the festival.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the programming of a diverse, inclusive annual arts festival
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Coordinate fundraising and grant applications to sustain the festival
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Manage a small staff team and dedicated volunteer community
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Promote the festival locally, nationally and through media and social media
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Represent the festival within the community and with key stakeholders
About You
An arts background is desirable but not essential. We are equally interested in candidates who bring fundraising experience, strong communication skills, a creative and innovative approach, and a genuine commitment to community and inclusiveness.
You will also be able to demonstrate:
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Experience of organising events, ideally in the arts or cultural sector
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Strong communication and advocacy skills
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Experience of fundraising or working with grant-giving bodies
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The ability to think both creatively and strategically
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A commitment to inclusivity and community involvement
You must be able to commit to at least one day per week in our Frome office and be present in Frome for the entirety of the festival (3–12 July each year).
How to Apply
To apply please complete our application form, which can be accessed directly here: https://tally.so/r/EkBME2 or via our website: https://fromefestival.co.uk/
Before completing the application form, please read our recruitment pack carefully, which includes a full job description and person specification. The recruitment pack is available at the start of the application form.
Closing date: 12pm, 20th May 2026. We reserve the right to close early, so please apply promptly.
For informal enquiries contact recruitment@fromefestival.co.
Frome Festival Ltd is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all.
Registered Charity No. 1120329