Yet again for 2024, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 10 quickfire questions.

Today it's the turn of Sharon Canavar – Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals

1. Reflecting on this year, what “gift” or lesson from the business world has been most valuable to you, and how will it shape your approach next year?

Not just for this year, but I am reminded every year by the phenomenal team around me that the team is what makes it. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing people over the years, their skills, passion and creativity help Harrogate International Festivals to thrive, and this year was just the same. I learn so much from so many different people within the team and I’m hugely grateful to them all.

2. If you could give one Christmas wish to your team or industry as a whole, what would it be and why?

A recognition in terms of funding and status for the arts sector as a whole. But if I can’t have everything then specifically arts festivals which are the unsung heroes of the national arts ecology and a cultural backbone for communities across the country.

3. What’s one “holiday tradition” your business observes each year that helps boost morale or reinforce your company’s culture?

The advent calendars for the team are always a highlight, but we do close for nearly two weeks over the Christmas period to allow time for rest and to switch off properly. This is additional time given to the team to say ‘thank you’ for the extra hours and commitment during the busier summer season, and to make sure they really do relax over the festive period.

4. As you look ahead to the new year, what are three things on your “business wish list” to achieve or improve?

A full team in place for the first time post Covid – we have slowly been rebuilding and training over the last few years.

To deliver the new business plan for the organisation agreed just a couple of months ago - definitely some exciting and challenging times ahead.

To put in place the fundraising plan for our 60th Anniversary along with ensuring the appropriate level of celebratory events.

5. What “gift of wisdom” from a mentor or peer has influenced your leadership style this year, and how do you hope to pass it on to others?

Learn to live with your frustration that sometimes in a small organisation your ambition can be hindered by your resources. Live with it but keep poking at it, as it keeps you moving forward, fresh and able to do new things. We talk about this all the time at the Festivals, being ambitious and entrepreneurial with relatively small budgets makes us agile and hugely creative!

6. In the spirit of giving back, how does your business or team plan to make a positive impact in the community this holiday season?

With the help of the Harrogate BID we deliver the North Pole Post Office – Harrogate branch, for six weeks during November and December. There are so many expensive festive options out there, but this is all for free. It’s fab hearing the joy from kids and families in the run-up to Christmas.

7. What new “gift of technology or innovation” would you most like to see emerge next year, and how do you think it could benefit your industry?

I’m really torn on this one. The AI opportunities are myriad but take creativity and work away from artists and authors. We created HIF Player during the pandemic allowing free access to all our archives, which we have continued. VR/AR opportunities could also be huge but we’re in the business of live events, and sharing a live experience with others is a really special, liminal experience. Maybe free, quality online music lessons for all. It certainly doesn’t replace access to the arts in schools, but it could be a start.

8. If you could leave one “stocking stuffer” of encouragement or advice for emerging leaders in your field, what would it be and why?

Be bold, sometimes it’s ok to take risks. Even if you’re terrified.

9. What holiday tradition or activity do you personally look forward to most each year, and how does it help you recharge?

The Light Up A Life service at St Michael’s Hospice is a favourite tradition. They are another amazing charity in Harrogate doing great things in difficult circumstances. The outdoor service is particularly special, and definitely encourages you to be appreciative of what you have.

10. If you could deliver one “Christmas miracle” that would transform your business or industry, what would it be, and what impact do you think it would have?

The ability to plan further ahead. The majority of our major funding is annual and then we re-apply again, which makes planning a cyclical series of festivals really challenging, not knowing if the money will be there. The option to have multi-year funding from the local authority and other major funders would make a huge difference to both our capacity and delivery.