Tributes have been paid following the death of Lichfield Arts’ president.
Brian Pretty had supported the community arts organisation for a number of decades after beginning as a volunteer before becoming a director in the 1990s.
His role with Lichfield Arts also included helping to found the free Fuse Festival which continues to attract thousands of visitors to Beacon Park each summer.
Brian’s role also saw him spearhead a number of beer festivals in the city, including the Real Ale, Jazz and Blues Festival.
In a statement, Lichfield Arts said:
“It is with great sadness that Lichfield Arts announces the death of our president Brian Pretty.
“Brian has been ill for some time and passed away peacefully yesterday.
“He was a founder of Lichfield Arts some 50 years ago and in his time has been bar manager, administrator, director and president.
“Brian will be sadly missed by his family and friends and also a host of Lichfield Arts artists, volunteers and audiences.
“For many of us he was Lichfield Arts.”
Lichfield Arts spokesperson
Brian also served as a member of Lichfield District Council for a number of years.
Cllr Steve Norman, leader of the Labour group at the local authority, said:
“Brian was part of the Labour administration and certainly was a major advocate for the arts in Lichfield then and in the many years since he stood down as a district councillor.”
Cllr Steve Norman, Lichfield District Council
As well as his work for Lichfield Arts, Brian’s desire to promote the city continued as he also held the position of chair of the Lichfield District Tourism Association.
Among those to pay tribute was dancer Chico White who described Brian as “hardcore arts”.
“Brian and I had a good laugh over the years – he was a wonderful person to know.”
Chico White
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said Brian had made a “huge contribution” to cultural life across the region.
Rest in peace, Brian. I didn’t know you very well but we chatted on many occasions, it was always a pleasure. A sad loss for Lichfield Arts and for the city as a whole. A shame the article doesn’t mention that as well as being a district councillor Brian was was Mayor of Lichfield in the mid 90’s, we chatted about that a few times and he was clearly proud to have held the position.
Brian was an amazing director of Lichfield Arts with whom I had the privilege to volunteer for several years. I always said Lichfield is the best place to live because of the music and particularly at that time the Arts – and of course the fabulous Fuse festival. Thank you so much Brian RIP.
Sad news, Remembering Brian who ran the early Lichfield Arts movement, which has today blossomed into a vibrant Arts scene, I knew him since moving to Lichfield in 1978 and his commitment to Lichfield, it’s people, and the Arts meant everything too him. Thanks for eveything dear Brian RIP
Brian was always keen to encourage young musicians, and provided valuable opportunities for Lichfield students to perform alongside experienced and established ensembles at the various local Jazz festivals which still flourish. Brian was a unique ambassador for Lichfield Arts, and his legacy lives on through the many young people who have gone on to have significant careers both as musicians and teachers.
RIP Brian. A truly sincere and committed person and a great loss to Lichfield.
Thank you for all you have done for the people of this City