Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Karen Jones and I am the new Event Director for the Festival. I’m a freelance event director and project manager, with a particular interest in branding and marketing. I was born and raised in Norwich, and worked in London for several advertising and marketing agencies for clients such as the Royal Horticultural Society. I very much enjoy working in a team, seeing a project from the initial creative idea through to its successful completion.

 

Tell us about yourself?

I live in Wells with my husband, and we have a teenage son who is very interested in music. I spend a lot of my time walking our German Shorthaired Pointer – you’ll often see me among the dunes and pinewoods between Holkham and Wells – and I’m also a keen horsewoman. I’m a Wells Harbour Commissioner and I love being part of the town’s community.

 

What’s Your Area of Responsibility?

I oversee all areas of the festival, from booking in the stallholders to ensuring the loos work on the day. You’d probably best describe me as the lynchpin! We are a hard working, friendly bunch – the committee is made up of volunteers that are all passionate about what we do. The festival is a not for profit event and we really want to create an amazing experience!

 

Is there anything you’d like to see develop at the festival?

We are keen to keep on developing the festival. The core remains our support of and for small scale local producers, but we’d like to offer a little bit more for children and our four legged friends! And maybe afternoon tea – we are always thinking!

 

What Norfolk food and drink do you like?

Top of my list is Wells-next-the-Sea shellfish caught by our hard working fishing fleet, Mrs Temple’s cheeses are always in my larder and, at Christmas, I’m a big fan of Godwick’s turkeys, and I love to collect mine from the farm gate. For patisserie and celebration cakes, I’ll head to Welly Boot Bakery.  

 

Where do you like to eat out in Norfolk?

There are some tremendous places, I think. My current ‘go to’ is Sculthorpe Mill. But what I really love doing is a fine Norfolk produce picnic! Packing up some great bread, cheese, and charcuterie, and a bottle of something chilled and heading out to Holkham beach. No matter how busy it is, you can always find a peaceful spot to enjoy this very special part of the North Norfolk Coast.