• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Tuesday September 15 2026

Sandeep Katwala to succeed Jonathan Dimbleby as chair of Bristol Beacon

Music venue Bristol Beacon has appointed Sandeep Katwala as its next chair, with the finance and legal specialist set to take over from broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby in February 2027.

Sandeep, who joined the board of Bristol Music Trust in May 2024, will lead the charity as it delivers a new five-year strategy following the successful reopening of the transformed venue in 2023.

He began his career in finance before moving into law, spending 25 years at global firm Linklaters. Alongside advising major companies on international investments, he served on the firm’s executive management committee and managed its Europe, Middle East and Africa and India regions.

Sandeep has since held senior governance roles with organisations including Depaul UK, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity, Octavia Group and Bail for Immigration Detainees. He lives in Bristol and is learning to play drums, guitar, kora and keyboard.

He said Bristol Beacon was entering “an exciting stage” in its development, despite a difficult climate for music venues and charities.

“I know from my time on the board that we have a fantastic team who can meet these challenges,” Sandeep said. “Jonathan has ensured the creation of a very solid foundation since the reopening of the Beacon and will be a very hard act to follow.”

Jonathan Dimbleby has chaired the organisation since 2023, overseeing its return to operation after a major transformation and helping establish a new operating model focused on financial stability and long-term audience growth.

During his tenure, Bristol Beacon rebuilt its programme to more than 500 gigs and concerts a year, strengthened its role as the region’s music education hub and expanded community work, including the £1.1m All Together Now social impact programme.

Jonathan also championed the Orchestral Supporters Circle and helped shape the organisation’s strategy through to 2031. He will remain chair until the end of January before becoming patron of the Bristol Beacon Orchestral Season.

“It has been a real privilege to have played a part in the new era of Bristol Beacon,” he said. “In Sandeep Katwala, my colleagues have chosen the ideal person to lead the Beacon onwards and upwards.”

Simon Wales, Bristol Beacon chief executive, praised Jonathan’s “wisdom, integrity and unwavering belief” in the organisation.

He added that Sandeep’s strategic insight, commitment to inclusion and passion for culture made him “an outstanding person” to lead the charity into its next phase.