Brighton Fringe has confirmed that Managing Director Amy Keogh will step down from her role in March 2026, bringing to a close a period of leadership defined by recovery, stability and renewed growth for the organisation.
Since taking up the post, Keogh has guided Brighton Fringe through a challenging and transformative time, overseeing its recovery in the wake of the Covid pandemic while maintaining the festival’s open-access, artist-led ethos. Her leadership has focused on sustainability, creating opportunities for creatives, and strengthening relationships with artists, venues and audiences across the city.
Among her key achievements has been the expansion of Brighton Fringe’s outdoor venue sites, including the introduction of Revel Pucks’ Circus Yard in 2025, which helped extend the festival’s reach and visibility throughout Brighton. She also secured Arts Council England funding for The Junction, a networking event for creatives and producers delivered as part of Brighton Fringe’s Fringe Academy career development programme. The funding reinforced the festival’s role not just as a platform for performance, but as a year-round supporter of artistic growth.
Responding to long-standing feedback from artists, venues and audiences, Keogh also oversaw the return of the printed Brighton Fringe brochure, restoring a much-missed and valued feature of the festival experience.
Under her leadership, Brighton Fringe recorded its highest ticket sales since 2019, signalling a strong recovery from the pandemic years and renewed confidence from audiences. This success was supported by significant internal work, including the restructuring of the staff team to create a more resilient and future-focused organisation.
Commenting on her decision, Amy Keogh said: “Leading Brighton Fringe has been an extraordinary privilege and an absolute delight, even at its toughest moment. The festival’s strength lies in its artists, venues, staff, volunteers and audiences. As I look ahead to the next chapter, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and excited to see how Brighton Fringe continues to evolve.”
Keogh will remain in post until March 2026, after which she will take up a new role as General Manager of Brighton-based, community-led arts organisation SameSky. Over the coming months, she will work closely with the Board and team to ensure a smooth transition.
Duncan Lustig-Prean, Chair of Brighton Fringe, paid tribute to her contribution, saying: “Amy has a wonderful way with the team, consistently demonstrating strength, energy and generosity of spirit. She has made a significant difference to the relationships Brighton Fringe has built across the city and beyond, and her contribution to the organisation has been immense. It has been a joy to work with Amy, and while she will be greatly missed, I wish her every success at SameSky and in all that comes next.”
Brighton Fringe has confirmed that recruitment for a new Managing Director will begin immediately, with applications open from today and interviews scheduled to take place in early 2026.
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