Sharon runs Harrogate International Festivals, an arts charity that delivers wide ranging festivals and events right across the year, from large scale installations and international literary weekends to singing with teen mums and developing literacy with a range of communities across the north of England.
I totally fell into the work after a music and arts business degree and started working at Kuoni when they were buying up music tour businesses, so I had an amazing time working for a huge corporate, travelling the world but celebrating great music in amazing spaces, and I’ve done similar roles for different travel, place, arts and cultural organisations since.
No. Now I’m getting older and more reflective I do wonder if I should have made different decisions or been more strategic. However, I’m lucky enough to love the job I do and given every day is different and every annual cycle is never repeated I’m always learning and kept on my toes. I know I’d be bored and getting itchy feet otherwise.
Where to start…. I think events and festivals have always been challenging and that’s what makes it fun. I think it’s an addition to fixing things. Venue flooded, artist MIA, no tourists so no income due to foot & mouth/terrorism, and more recently the pandemic where events closed down for the longest period, losing amazing staff, knowledge and depriving communities of opportunity along the way. Keeping the festival alive over the last couple of years and then rebuilding the team in the last few months has definitely been one of my larger career challenges. I’ve learnt a huge amount along the way too
For me it’s about building a resilient and trailblazing arts organisation that offers fantastic opportunities for celebration and entertainment alongside meaningful participation opportunities for communities & young people.
I’m choosing two. Resilience, as I was never allowed to give stuff up as a kid – music lessons, sports teams, Guides even if I was rubbish at them! I think I can keep going even when stuff feels uncomfortable or it’s not in my skillset. That and working with amazing teams of people, I’ve had great mentors across the years and worked with new starters with amazing enthusiasm and new skills. Always learning.
I think it is an underused resource for people at all stages of their career. I’ve been lucky enough to have great people who gave me advice and opportunity when I started in the workplace despite the fact I had no idea what I was doing. Mentoring wasn’t a thing then, but it’s absolutely what they did. There’s also the point that it doesn’t have to be a formalised relationship, it can be enough to be getting a regular coffee in with someone whose judgements you value and can offer guidance and support in a totally objective way.
It’s about opportunity. I’m still stuck in meetings where often I’m the only woman. Is it changing quickly enough? We need to do more to invest in opportunity, education and providing positive role models at an early age. I also think we still lose a significant amount of skills in the workplace due to childcare or caring challenges. What more can we do as businesses to create flexibility and opportunity to retain skills and knowledge in the workplace.
It’ll be ok.
I’m a terrible worrier – when you work in events it’s often polarised between how do we make this fantastic balanced against what’s the worst that can go wrong, and how do we avoid it. After a few decades in events this mindset can leak into other decision making and I need to watch it!
Short term, getting the team bedded in within a great working environment, sharing skills, growth, training and hopefully celebrating success along the way. Medium term, taking some time to reflect on the last couple of years and planning what a post pandemic festival fit for the 21st century should look like. Then make it happen!
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will take place in Harrogate from 21 – 24 July 2022.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.