Sheffield Theatres has announced that broadcaster and author Dan Walker has been appointed Chair of the Board for Sheffield Theatres Trust, effective immediately.
Walker, known for hosting 5 News and the Classic FM breakfast show, previously fronted BBC Breakfast and BBC Sport’s Football Focus for 12 years. He is also the author of several books including Remarkable People and Standing On The Shoulders.
Having studied History and Journalism at Sheffield University, Walker returned to the city over a decade ago with his family. A regular attendee at The Crucible and The Lyceum, he has long supported the performing arts in Sheffield.
Walker is also a patron of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Bright Young Dreams, a mental health campaign for young people. He founded The Sheffield 1000, a charity that donates £1000 weekly to local causes.
“It is a real honour to be asked to be part of something that I know is so loved and respected in Sheffield,” said Dan Walker. “My family always enjoy going to the theatre and we are really proud of the rich heritage and performance quality that Sheffield is known for. I can’t wait to try and support the work of our theatres both here in this beautiful city and beyond.”
Tom Bird, CEO of Sheffield Theatres, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan Walker as Chair of the Board for Sheffield Theatres. Dan’s love of his home city of Sheffield, together with his passion for the power of theatre, make him the perfect candidate to chair this wonderful organisation. We’re immensely proud that Dan, a much-loved figure across the country, will lead Sheffield Theatres into a bright future.
“We were deeply saddened to lose our previous Chair Dame Julie Kenny earlier this year. Julie made such a significant impact in a short time and, as we look ahead, we’re proud to further the legacy she left us with.”
Sheffield Theatres welcomes over 400,000 audience members annually and is home to four venues: the Crucible, Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse, Lyceum, and Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre.
New board members joining Sheffield Theatres Trust include Michelle Blackburn, Surriya Falconer, Angela Foulkes, Sarah Maylor, and Richard Stubbs. The Montgomery Trust board welcomes Angela Foulkes (Chair), Yejide Adewakun, Emily Blackwell, Linda Bloomfield, Gary Hammonds, and Cat Powell.
More information can be found here.
