New Appointments Announced As Leeds Venue Shares Ambitious Plans For The Future

The Howard Assembly Room, part of Leeds cultural life, has announced four key appointments to its core team. They join Tony Green, who took on the role of general manager and lead programmer last year.

With a background in national broadsheet journalism and the charitable sector, Michael Wilkinson becomes Director of Strategy and Commercial for both Opera North and the Howard Assembly Room. He brings an invaluable mix of strategic and commercial experience to the role:

“The Howard Assembly Room belongs to Leeds. It’s a space with real history, but our focus is firmly on the future: building a vibrant day-to-night venue where people come to hear world-class artists up close, meet friends for a drink, or host events with real character. We want it to feel open, welcoming and full of life throughout the week. By growing the programme and strengthening the commercial offer, we’re creating a venue that reflects the creativity of this city and helps power Opera North’s wider work across the North.”

A programme of improvements has seen the space on New Briggate previously occupied by the restaurant Kino transformed into the HAR bar, where people can look forward to enjoying drinks from local suppliers and pizza delivered to their table by fellow Leeds company, Pizza Punks. Plans for the wider estate include a renewed emphasis on conferences, private hire and business events. Leading this is Megan Beaton, who becomes the new Commercial Sales Manager. With an impressive track record in premium hospitality and venue sales, Megan has held senior commercial roles with Hilton and Escapism Bars, gaining experience spanning events, corporate partnerships and high-value bookings.

She comments: “This is such a stunning venue. A Grade II listed building, it combines a characterful history with amazing acoustics, modern facilities and staff who know how to deliver hospitality at the highest level. Add to that the opportunity to engage musicians from the Orchestra or Chorus of Opera North, and we believe we have something very special to offer anyone looking to hold a truly memorable event.”

Two further appointments focus on Visitor Experience, ensuring that everyone who comes to the Howard Assembly Room and HAR bar gets a true Yorkshire welcome. Ryan Kiernan becomes Visitor Experience Manager having worked at some of the UK’s most high-profile cultural venues, including the Grand Opera House York, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the BAFTAs. Assisting him in this role is Sue Goward, Visitor Experience Coordinator. Sue is a practising artist and a familiar figure on Leeds’ cultural scene, with close ties to venues including the Brudenell Social Club and Hyde Park Picture House.

A volunteering scheme has also been launched to give people who love the Howard Assembly Room the opportunity to become more involved with the venue by working alongside the current workforce, helping with such tasks as meeting and greeting audience members and showing people to their seats.

Michael continues: “Great venues are built by the people who believe in them. Our new volunteers will help set the tone from welcoming audiences, supporting events and bringing real pride to the building. For us it’s about opening the doors wider and inviting more people from Leeds and West Yorkshire to be part of what happens here.”

In terms of programming, the venue will continue with its bold, cross-genre approach. Upcoming acts include comedy from Ed Byrne (25 Mar) and Lou Sanders (29 Apr), Acid House pioneer A Guy Called Gerald (28 Mar), compelling folk singer Katherine Priddy (26 Apr), contemporary classical with Manchester Collective which will feature a new commission from Cassie Kinoshi (26 Jun), and singer-songwriter Eddi Reader (24 Oct).

Tickets for all events at the Howard Assembly Room are available now at thehar.com