Meet the Team

Caroline – Co-Founder & Fundraising Dynamo

Caroline was one of the original driving forces behind the festival and worked tirelessly to get the idea off the ground and put Swanage firmly on the foodie map. She’s passionate about continual improvement and is always brimming with new ideas.

A fundraising powerhouse, Caroline secures fantastic raffle prizes for the main event and supporting events throughout the year. During the festival, she’s most often found in the information tent, enthusiastically encouraging raffle ticket sales and serving refreshments to all who pass by.

Lindsay – Queen of the Demo Kitchen

For the past 10 years, Lindsay has developed and grown our demo kitchen into the buzzing hub it is today. Possibly the busiest person we know, her enthusiasm is boundless!

On the mic, she’s a natural — guiding chefs through their demonstrations with insight, perfectly timed questions and the occasional cheeky quip. The demo tent would be a much quieter (and less entertaining!) place without her and her brilliant team of foodie volunteers.

Jackie – Secretary, Socials & Stalls

Keeping us organised between festivals is our brilliant secretary, Jackie. She ensures agendas are thorough, minutes are concise and nothing gets forgotten.

Jackie also manages our social media channels, updates the website (with Lyn’s help), and oversees stall bookings for traders and artisans each year. During the festival, she’s usually walking the field, checking in with stallholders and capturing content to share the buzz online.

Dev – The Essential Site Manager

Every festival needs someone calm, capable and quietly brilliant behind the scenes — and that’s Dev (not Dave… Dev!). His thoughtful, meticulous planning ensures the festival is safe, well-organised and runs like clockwork. In his red fire marshal jacket, Dev can be seen all over the field: checking set-ups, giving directions and managing logistics — all with a smile. He throws himself into the weekend entirely, only pausing at the end of the day for a well-earned beer.

Michelle – Refreshments & Creative Flair

Michelle, the other half of our only committee “partnership”, heads up our own refreshment provision on the field. She’s brought fantastic presentation ideas, expanded our offerings to include vegan and vegetarian options — and yes, the cakes are still the best! You’ll find Michelle under the trees in the refreshment tent, making tea, chatting away and smiling throughout the weekend.

Lyn – Treasurer & Volunteer Champion

Lyn combines two vital roles: Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator. With her calm, organised approach (and love of a good spreadsheet!), she keeps our finances clear and transparent.

She also leads our amazing volunteer team with warmth and thoughtful organisation, ensuring everyone feels valued and happy in their role. Quite simply, we couldn’t operate without our loyal volunteers — or without Lyn at the helm.

Pam – Little Fishes & Sponsorship Star

Pam created our delightful children’s crafting corner, Little Fishes — a wonderful space filled with fish-themed crafts, games and even storytelling in collaboration with the local library. It’s always buzzing with happy, creative youngsters.

Behind the scenes, Pam also secures a full list of generous local sponsors who support the festival’s set-up and delivery. We’re enormously grateful to her — and to all our sponsors — for making the festival possible.

Chris – Music Maestro & Site Support

Last but not least (we promise!), Chris wears two hats. He’s gradually become part of Dev’s essential site team — whether he realises it or not — and also curates our fantastic programme of musicians who perform across the weekend.

Ensuring performers have everything they need — from power supplies to “necessary lubrication” — is all in a day’s work. Chris is also a member of local sea shanty group Shanty, who regularly perform at the festival and other events locally.

Louise - Our New Risk Manager!

Louise joined the committee in February after answering our call for a new Risk Manager. With a wealth of experience from an exciting and varied career that has taken her all over the world, she brings invaluable knowledge and a steady pair of hands to the team.

Louise now keeps a watchful eye on all things risk-related, helping ensure the festival runs safely and smoothly for everyone enjoying the sights, sounds and flavours of the weekend.

Organised, sensible and with a twinkle in her eye, we’re delighted to have Louise on board as our very own risk assessment champion!

Together, we’re a cheerful, committed bunch who believe in celebrating community spirit, supporting wonderful causes and creating a festival that makes Swanage proud.

We can’t wait to welcome you!