Festival Fringe director unveiled

Jon Morgan starts his new job on 7 June

The new director of the world's biggest arts festival has been named.

Jon Morgan will begin the job of director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in June 2007.

He is currently executive producer with the Contact Theatre in Manchester, but has a long track record of working with the arts in Scotland.

Mr Morgan takes over from Paul Gudgin, who announced in January that he was stepping down after seven years in the job.

Mr Gudgin will officially leave his post on the day of the Fringe's programme launch on Thursday 7 June.

His experience paired with his ambition will no doubt build on the Fringe's past success Baroness Elizabeth Smith Edinburgh Festival Fringe

A spokesman for the Fringe said Mr Morgan had worked with many of Scotland's leading arts venues and performing companies in the past.

He has also worked as an advisor with the Scottish Arts Council on drama and dance touring and on the bid to establish the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS).

Baroness Elizabeth Smith, chairman of the board of directors of the Fringe said: "Heading up the world's biggest celebration of the arts is a challenging role, and we are confident that Jon is extremely well placed for it.

"His experience, paired with his ambition, will no doubt build on the Fringe's past success."

Vibrant arts scene

Mr Morgan said: "I'm very pleased to be returning to Scotland's vibrant arts scene and am looking forward to getting started.

"It's an exciting and demanding time for the Fringe and it's clear to me that working in partnership with the huge variety of groups, individuals and supporters that make up the festival is key to the Fringe's continuing success."

Donald Anderson Edinburgh Council's sport, culture and tourism leader, said. "Paul Gudgin will be a tough act to follow but Jon obviously has extensive experience both north and south of the border that will be invaluable in this role."

Fringe 2007 runs between 5 August and 27 August.