ANVIL Arts has announced a new chief executive following the retirement of Christine Bradwell.

James Tilston takes over the helm of one of Hampshire’s largest performing arts organisations after Christine stepped away from the role she was in for 22 years.

He joins Anvil Arts after eight years at Jacksons Lane in North London, a leading arts venue bringing the best in contemporary performance and education work to its local community.

The new chief executive said: “I’m excited to be joining such a successful and highly regarded organisation and look forward to leading it into its next stage.”

In his new role, James will help organise events run by the trust which runs the Anvil, the Haymarket and the Forge.  A wide range of audiences enjoy the diverse programme of events on offer, with over 400 performances each year.  There is also an extensive programme of work in schools and the community in Basingstoke and beyond.

Andrew Finney, chairman of the Anvil Trust, added: “The Trust is delighted to have appointed James as chief executive to take the organisation forward.”

Anvil Arts is an independent educational charity which will celebrate its 25th birthday in 2019.