Norfolk and Norwich Festival artistic director to step down after seven years

Artistic director of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival William Galinsky has announced he will be stepping down after seven years at the helm.

Galinsky's appointment was announced in 2010, and he said being in charge of the festival has "at times… made me feel like Willy Wonka".

In a statement, he said: "I have decided it’s time to catch my breath and 2017 will be my Norfolk and Norwich Festival swan song.

"I am currently working with the team to get most of the 2018 programme in place and at the end of this May’s festival, I will take my final bow and set off on new adventures.

"Thank you, Norwich and Norfolk. It has been a privilege."

His time in charge of the event has seen 60 world premieres, 124 new commissions, 40 festival co-productions and 2143 individual performances showcased across the region.

The board for the festival thanked Galinsky for his commitment to the festival, with chair Brenda Arthur adding: "As a result of William’s work Norfolk & Norwich Festival is now regarded as one of the top four arts festivals in the country."

Plans for for Galinsky’s replacement will be announced in due course.

This year's Norwich and Norfolk Festival will take place between 12 and 28 May.