Meet our trustee and staff team
Lichfield Arts is powered by a dedicated team of staff, trustees, and volunteers who are passionate about bringing high-quality, inclusive arts experiences to our community. As a registered charity, we rely on the skills, creativity, and commitment of individuals from all walks of life—each contributing their time and expertise to support our vibrant programme of music, festivals, and community events.
Get to know the people behind the scenes who help make Lichfield Arts a welcoming, creative, and inspiring organisation.
Phil Beale – Chair
I became a Trustee of Lichfield Arts in 2013, and am now Chair. As well as steering the organisation’s overall strategic direction, development and operation I am the trustee responsible for Fuse and volunteer regularly at our concerts and festivals.
I have a passion for music and the arts, and play guitar and compose/record original music with my band Maximum 90. We have played at Fuse three times, and it was this that first sparked my interest in joining the organisation.
Peter Harvey – Vice Chair
I became a trustee in April 2022. For three years previous to that, I had been part of the team for Lichfield Festival of Folk.
I have a background in business and for the last thirty years have run my own language training and proofreading company; I’ve also been a trustee of another charity involved in promoting recycling.
I plan to offer the skills I’ve learned in my business career to help move Lichfield Arts forward in its journey to deliver quality events and outreach projects to the city.
Brian Pretty – Honorary President
Brian first volunteered for Lichfield Arts in the 80’s to run the bar, and was appointed administrator and then director in the 90’s.
Besides formulating the artistic programme, he introduced the Real Ale, Jazz & Blues Festival in 1990, followed by beer festivals.
Brian was founding director of Fuse for 11 years before finally retiring in 2011.
Following his passing in March 2023 Brian is sadly missed but his legacy lives on.
Tim Perks – Trustee
I have been involved in Lichfield Arts for over 17 years and have been on the management committee for over 10.
Until recently I was the Marketing Manager and Artistic Programmer for Lichfield Arts.
I have been both vice-chair and chair of Lichfield Arts in the past and I was the Fuse festival director for 3 years.
I am a graphic designer in my professional life and in my other free time I play guitar in a blues and soul band, The Sleaze Brothers.
Simon Horton – Trustee
I joined Lichfield Arts in April 2023 to oversee the creative direction of the organisation, as well as the exploration and development of new artistic avenues.
My background is in arts and media, including graphic design, music, writing, and working for many years in the television industry as a director and producer.
My personal interests focus on ecological issues, travel, and a love of the arts in all its various forms, in particular a passionate love of music and film.
Mark Jones – Operations Manager
I’m the Operations Manager and I’m passionate about making our events as vibrant and seamless as possible. I’m dedicated to bringing people together through music, creativity, and community spirit. Every day is different, and I thrive on the challenge of ensuring everything runs smoothly.
What I enjoy most about my role is working closely with volunteers, artists and the wider community to deliver events that truly reflect the spirit of Lichfield Arts. It’s a privilege to be part of such a passionate and creative organisation!
Justine Strange – Accounts Administrator
After taking redundancy and relocating from Hampshire, I have been working part time for Lichfield Arts as the Accounts Administrator since September 2018.
I live with my husband, son and springer spaniel Stowford in Sutton Coldfield and we have all thoroughly enjoyed attending gigs and festivals since I joined the team.
Lichfield is truly a beautiful place and I feel privileged to work here and be part of the great work Lichfield Arts are doing in bringing the community together.