Festival Lead Producer

Purpose of the role

The 'Festival Lead Producer' role involves working in partnership with a wide number of stakeholders to both curate the content and practically deliver the festival, details in role profile below. A contracted event production company will partner and provide infrastructure. The Lead Producer will work closely with this team, delivering programme details within timescales to allow feasibility of delivery.

Responsible to:
Lewisham Council, Cultural Partnership Manager

Contract:

Freelance, Fixed-term:
September/October 2026 - July/August 2027. Initially part-time see below.

Rate of pay: £325 per day

Working commitment for role:
There is some flexibility around applicants' current commitments. Please contact the team to discuss your situation.  

3 days a week October/Nov (Sept if available)

4 days a week Dec (holiday break), Jan, Feb, March, April

5 Days a week May, June, - festival delivery 10 July

6 days post festival delivery to wrap up

Location:

Lewisham Council Offices, Laurence House Catford SE6 4RU
, plus working from home, working on-site at Mounts field Park and travel to local partners.

Key working relationships:
Lewisham Council Services and staff;
Lewisham Council elected Councillors;
Peoples Day Steering Group;
Young Mayor and advisors and Youth Service representatives; businesses;
Sponsors and Grant making bodies; festival production partners; voluntary and community sector; musicians and their management/promoters; artists; cultural and creative organisations and charities.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a highly committed and experienced community focused outdoor events producer who can join us at this critical and exciting time ahead of Lewisham People's Day 2027.

People's Day is a unique festival which includes a wide-reaching programme traditionally with a mix of stages and areas including:

Youth Stage (Blue Stage);
Big Top programmed music stage;
Sound System area;
Sports Arena;
Children's Stage;
Fairground Rides.

The festival includes the community ecosystem in Lewisham, with many stalls from council services and voluntary, community and equalities sectors. Plus, corporate stalls and food and beverage traders.

People's Day, Festival Lead Producer - Role Profile

Management of an Assistant Producer to support work streams.

Curation of the festival programme, in partnership.

Management of contract of the production company, acting as client officer.

Lead on fundraising and income generation.

Fundraising

Lead on fundraising and income generation.

Work with council colleagues to identify and target fundraising opportunities.

Initiatives including securing local and national sponsorship; earned income through festival trade stalls; and grant fundraising where appropriate.

Contract Management

Contract management of the production company - acting as client officer.

Work collaboratively with the appointed production company on all aspects including mapping and layout, ensuring any onsite requirements are met.

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance