AN arts administrator with 25 years experience in opera and theatre management has been appointed Festival Director of the Cumnock Tryst.

Jean Nicholson will work in partnership with Sir James MacMillan to develop the festival, in his home town, which this year marks its fifth anniversary.

The Tryst is now a highlight of the UK’s music calendar for its combination of performances by internationally acclaimed musicians and contributions from local groups.

Appointing a festival director is a key element in a strategy to create a year-round programme for the Tryst particularly developing its education and outreach work.

Announcing the appointment on behalf of the Board of the Cumnock Tryst, Lynne MacMillan, said: “The Cumnock Tryst festival reaches its fifth anniversary in 2018 and we have been delighted by the success to date. We are now working to build on this success, and in particular to develop our award- winning education and community work.

“We are delighted to welcome Jean Nicholson as our Festival Director. Jean’s extensive experience in arts management ranges from work with organisations such as the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and Birmingham Opera to the Hackney Empire, a theatre which is at the heart of the local community.”

Sir James, artistic director of The Tryst, added: “I’m very much looking forward to working with Jean in the development of our ideas. Jean’s wealth of experience will bring a new perspective to the work that we do in and around Cumnock.”

This year’s event will take place between October 4 and 7 in the usual venues.

Ms Nicholson said: “I am so looking forward to working alongside Sir James MacMillan and the wonderful team. The future plans for The Cumnock Tryst are hugely exciting and I’m looking forward to playing my part in bringing them to fruition.”