Sydney doesn’t put away its party hats after the New Year is rung in, because from January 8, the city comes alive once again for the Sydney Festival. Simon Moore sat down with new Festival Director Kris Nelson to provide some highlights of the upcoming festival and revealing his hopes and ambitions for it as it reaches half a century.

Festivals are very much in Kris Nelson’s blood, having just finished a six-and-a-half year stint as Director of the London International Festival of Theatre, and prior to that having a long run as Director of the Dublin Fringe Festival. Kris traces his personal and professional journey, from growing up in Saskatoon, Canada, through grassroots theatre and festivals, to leadership roles in Montreal and beyond. He reflects on the energy of fringe culture, and the joys of presenting unique shows that find the festival environment as their homes.

The Sydney Festival runs from 8 to 25 January.