Herne Bay's Pier Trust gets new entertainment boss

Bay music man David Shepherd has been put in charge of entertainment at the town's Pier Trust following criticisms from the city council. At the last executive meeting, officers accused the trust of being inexperienced. So councillors voted officers an extra £6,000 to boost their events team to help organise some events for the summer.

David Shepherd

But the Pier Trust has hit back by taking on musician Mr Shepherd, who runs public address company Tasty Sound. Mr Shepherd said:

"I have been a trustee on the Herne Bay Pier Trust since September and was put forward for my expertise in event management. The trust is taking huge steps in drafting in experts from various industries to fulfil the demands of a fully rounded plan. While I appreciate the council's concerns, I can assure the people of Herne Bay that we are a much more dynamic and focused group than when many of the concerns were first raised."

Mr Shepherd has been working with the city council's events team for the past six years, helping to organise the eight-day 40-band Herne Bay Rocks talent show spread over eight venues during the Herne Bay Festival. He has also managed the main stage and compered shows. He said:

"My previous background was in the music industry, where I toured as a sound technician for pop and rock artists. I have managed and co-ordinated events in entertainment and corporate circles, supplying equipment for Princess Anne and American President Barack Obama. Let us not forget the Pier Trust's Christmas market and grotto, which had more than 3,500 visitors, with 650 children visiting Santa and more than 750 schoolchildren singing."

"We have a limited time to organise events but that is nothing new. Schedules are often tight. But I have enormous faith in the council's events team who have always been hugely co-operative. I am absolutely confident we will be running some amazing events on the pier this year. I would also love to hear from anyone who would like to get involved as we are always open to new ideas."

Call Mr Shepherd on 07740 163795 or e-mail tastysound@aol.co.uk

thisiskent