Gary Wickham took on the role of June Fest Treasurer in 2019. He works as a project manager in 123.ie. Growing up in Newbridge, Gary began learning to play the drums from an early age. Starting out with the local pipe band, Gary has since gone on to tour the world with various groups. His current band, Silverbacks, released their debut album to critical acclaim in 2020. Nominated for a Choice Music Prize in 2021, their music now soundtracks Brioni’s ad campaign with Brad Pitt.

Déanta i gCo. Chill Dara.

Thosaigh mé mar Stiúrthóir na Féile i Mí na Nollaig 2021. Rugadh is tógadh i gCo. Chill Dara mé. Tá grá mór agam do gach saghas iarracht pobail. Creidim go láidir go bhfuil géar gá do na fréamhacha againn go leir – do nasc láidir a cruthú leis an teanga, pobail agus oidhreacht – chun dul i ngleic leis na mórfhadhbanna don saol comhaimseartha. Ag chur faoi.

An príomh sprioc a tá agam faoi láthair ná aire mhaith a tabhairt do mo beirt páistí, ach bím ag canadh. Cumaim amhráin/dán agus cruthaím íomhá agus obair tríthoiseach (ár teach fhéin 7 píb Uilleann san am i lathair). Táim mar ball do a lán coistí áitiúla.

I started work as Festival Director in December 2021. I’m Co. Kildare born and raised. I have a deep love for all forms of community endeavour in particular the natural intersection of arts and community and it’s potential for empowerment, engagement and creativity.

My interest in Irish stems from the same source: recognising that connection to place and community and (at least) 2,000 years of heritage/thought are a means by which we can heal – grow roots.

I am mostly in dad-mode (modh ordaitheach) these days, but I also sing! I write songs/poems and make pictures and three dimensional works (currently house building and Uileann Pipe making). I’m on lots of local committees.

As an Arts student in Dublin, Colm produced and directed theatre and musicals. Colm has a keen interest in local history, classical and choral music. With a busy work and family schedule, Colm still finds time to play a number of musical instruments and to sing with the Choir. A native of Newbridge, he has been working with June Fest for the last 6 years.

Originally from a Cork farming background, Pat spent much of his early working life in Australia. A former principal of Newbridge College, he has been involved in voluntary organizations and boards of management for much of his life.

While sport and Gaelic games are key interests, he believes much more needs to be done to provide young and old alike with opportunities to develop their cultural and artistic interests and aptitudes and that festival such as June Fest have the potential to assist in this regard. Pat took over as secretary in late 2019.

Martin is a native of Kildare Town. His professional career began in Information Technology. He was made redundant in 2012 and used this opportunity to develop his keen interest in photography. His varied interests in hillwalking, sport and people has allowed him to capture daily life through the lens. He has developed his photography skill by studying techniques in landscape, portrait, and digital photography. Martin worked as Photography, Digitalisation & Conservation Assistant for CEP Ltd. Parochial House, Nurney, Co. Kildare. In 2017, he was asked to run a Community Expo as part of the June Fest 2017 Festival. His aim was to connect with Local & Voluntary groups and to promote these organizations. This Expo was a huge success with over 40 Voluntary groups taking part.

In June 2020 Martin transferred to June Fest, Newbridge taking up the position of Public Relations Officer under Allen Area, C.E.P Limited.
Due to Covid restrictions, Martin launched a virtual project in May 2020, which is called ‘The History of Newbridge: Buildings, Businesses & Architecture’. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, Newbridge Down Memory Lane and the Leinster Leader who have supported this project.

Robyn is a Newbridge native who has grown up living and working in the town. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English & Anthropology from Maynooth University and is currently in enrolled in a masters in Creative Writing at UCC.

Stephen has been the Festival Director of June Fest since 2018. As a Newbridge native, he has been active in the community since a young age. His passion for art and music has been a driving force behind many events and projects. He has worked with Festival Republic on large scale events, such as Electric Picnic, to much smaller productions with Broken Home Events.

Stephen has an honours degree in Fine Art from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and recently completed a certificate in Community Development & Leadership at National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He is a founding member of the Kildare Art Collective which provides local artists with a support network in their professional development while also creating opportunities to promote their artwork. Stephen recently joined the events and festivals sector of the Newbridge Community Development group.

A Newbridge native, I’m recently retired from the Voluntary Sector where I worked in publications and communications for several years in Dublin and London. A committed eco-worrier, I am also passionate about community, inclusion and fun. The wealth of heritage in Newbridge – from Early Christian, Equine and Industrial to Medieval, Military and Musical – has lured me back to the old home town!