YTL Live Taps Dave Gaydon as Programming Director for Bristol's Aviva Arena

YTL Live has appointed respected live music industry executive Dave Gaydon as Live Programming Director at Aviva Arena, the 20,000-capacity venue currently being built in Bristol. He will report to YTL Live and Aviva Arena CEO Andrew Billingham.

Backstory:

• Gaydon was most recently part of Live Nation’s outdoor promotions team, delivering shows such as South Facing Festival and the Colchester Castle Summer Series.

• Previously he spent nine years as Head of Music at London’s Roundhouse, booking over 1,500 shows and securing events such as BBC Electric Proms, iTunes Festival and Mercury Awards.

• He then formed his own consultancy business, working with LW Theatres and, via the consultancy, becoming Head of Programming for Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

The venue:

• Aviva Arena is the first venue of its size to be built in the West of England.

• It’s estimated it will contribute £1 billion to the local economy over the first decade of operation.

What they said:

• Andrew Billingham, CEO YTL Live: “We’re bringing together a team with the expertise, experience and imagination to deliver a venue that can completely transform the live events landscape in the West of England for both fans and artists. Dave has an impeccable track record, and having him join our team will help us create a distinctive calendar that combines the world’s biggest touring music artists with comedy, sport and entertainment.”