The new CEO of the Edinburgh Fringe Society formally joined the organisation last week. Tony Lankester was announced back in January as the new boss of the Society, which supports the thousands of performers and producers, and hundreds of venues, which together deliver the biggest arts festival in the world every summer.

In a Q&A blog post published during his first week in the job, Lankester is asked what the most exciting part of his new role is. He replies, “Obviously, the Fringe holds a special place in the hearts of those who live here and those who visit in the summer – and being part of that world is the most exciting part”.

Asked what makes the Edinburgh Fringe so special, he goes on, “The world today – more than ever – needs the arts and the arts today – more than ever – needs the Fringe”.

“The Fringe ethos of being open and accessible to anyone with something to say, and the opportunity it provides artists and audiences to connect in an extraordinary way is vital”, he explains, adding, “Edinburgh, because of its history and legacy, is at the centre of that”.