A new executive director of the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts has been appointed.

Cindy Campbell has taken over from David Skinner, chairman of the festival, who held the post on a temporary basis since last April when TJ Armand quit the post.

Ms Campbell said: “Performing arts are vital to a healthy society. Studies have shown that students who are involved in performing arts are better students and perform better academically.

“Communities benefit from performing arts because there are truly no barriers.

“Regardless of race, religion, age or gender, everyone can appreciate a fine performance and join together in the celebration of the experience.”

Mr Skinner added: “We are very pleased to welcome Cindy to the festival, and we are fortunate to have found someone of her calibre to lead the organisation as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Bermuda Festival.

“I look forward to working closely with Cindy as we build on the last 45 years and take the festival on to greater heights serving our entire community of residents and visitors alike.”

Ms Campbell has an undergraduate degree in theatre management and has worked as the production stage manager for Opera Carolina, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

She is also a chartered accountant who specialises in strategic planning and project management.

Ms Campbell was the chairman of the Bermuda Tall Ship Festival in 2017.

This year’s Bermuda Festival begins today with a performance by Naturally 7 at the Fairmont Southampton and concludes on March 14 with The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band.