New CEO for Leicester Comedy Festival

Big Difference Company, the charity behind the annual Leicester Comedy Festival, has appointed LAURA ARENDS (pictured) as Chief Executive. She joins from touring opera company OperaUpClose following a career in theatre and arts marketing, and will work in collaboration with Big Difference Founder and Festival Director Geoff Rowe. Two new Trustees have joined the Board. Consultant JULIAN HAYWOOD has a background working in local authorities, and LAURA HAILSTONE is Head of Events at De Montfort University.