Our aim is to offer a mix of events during the Beaumaris Festival. We want to attract regular festival-goers who like to see something new, and those who'll come because they recognise the work of more established artists. So we have a mix of famous names and young, up-and-coming performers.

Even though the main focus is on music, the programme does include other events. This year [2009] the theme of our series of talks is recycling, and we'll have an artist who specialises in creating work out of recycled materials. We're also going to have a wine-tasting evening and CADW will be active in the castle.

I founded the Buxton International Festival in 1979, so I did have experience of running such an event before we launched Beaumaris in 1986. But the logistics of putting this sort of programme together are always challenging.

I'm a musician. I've conducted with companies such as the Welsh National Opera for many years, so I do have contacts all over the world, which is very useful when booking artists. It's also important to keep abreast of what's going on in the arts scene so you're able to invite the stars of the future to perform.

What's most important is to strike a balance, because everything is always in the eye of the beholder. I may not always book something which is to my personal taste, but we do want to reflect a wide range of arts to attract as many people as possible.

In a festival like Beaumaris, you want those who attend to take ownership of it. We hold an annual lunch, which is an opportunity for regulars to meet up and reflect on what they think of the festival. Some people return every year and it's a chance for them to reconnect and mingle.

We're also going to introduce a wine bar which will be open each night after the performance in the Canolfan. It will be a chance for people to discuss the performance and meet the artists.

The more you're able to create a nice, social atmosphere, the more those attending will feel that this is something they want to return to each year. Gaining that sort of support is vital.

The venue is also important. The thing about somewhere like Beaumaris or Buxton is that they are beautiful places in their own right. When I first visited with friends from the Welsh National Opera and saw what a beautiful town Beaumaris is, I knew it would be a great place for a festival.

We didn't have the Canolfan then, but there was the fantastic parish church and the ballroom of the Bulkeley with great views over the sea.

Then you need local people who are in favour of having the event. Not everyone will be as passionate about it as others; when we launched the Buxton festival, half the locals were very indifferent. Nothing will be to everyone's taste. But the other half were really enthusiastic, and full of energy and drive for it to succeed.

In Beaumaris, almost everyone responded positively and we immediately had a large committee of over 50 people. It was a core of six or so who did the bulk of the work, but we had enough support from local businesses and the council to give us the confidence to get going. And I'm so glad to say we've been able to keep that momentum.

Although I'm a musician I do have a head for figures and am always anxious to ensure we're budgeting appropriately. Right from the start, we were all aware of the importance of being responsible financially.

We're now a charity and have succeeded in getting funding from some large arts organisations, as well as local businesses and trust funds. So far, we've almost always broken even.

Having a Friends of the Festival group is important too. We've got almost 400 people who are likely to buy tickets each year, but we still have to work on spreading the word; telling people what a wonderful place North Wales is and enticing them to visit.

You have to ensure that publicity material is as clear as possible and that there's a demand for your product. Any festival committee is taking a risk and you've got to be realistic.

I always think it's curious how many people get to the age of 40 and decide to change careers and open a pub. They haven't thought about how different it is being on the other side of the bar.

Running a festival is the same. Think about the work involved, and whether you can cope with it. I wouldn't do this if I didn't absolutely enjoy it. I love the arts and Beaumaris is a beautiful town.

If anyone wants to join our committee, get in touch! It's not ring-fenced, everyone is welcome. Anthony Hose