Neal Thompson

Oration for: Neal Thompson

Delivered by: Natalie Edwards

It is my pleasure to present Neal Thompson for the award of Honorary Fellow of Wrexham University.  

Neal Thompson is a fluent Welsh speaker and freelance consultant who has worked in the live music industry for the past twenty years. He is the artistic director of Llangollen Fringe Festival and co-founder of FOCUS Wales, an annual international showcase festival and conference, held in Wrexham. 

Now in its twelfth year, FOCUS Wales hosts over 250 live acts and 400+ music industry professionals  from across the globe and welcomes 20,000 festival goers to the city centre, each year. Since its launch in 2011, Focus Wales has gone from a single conference panel event with a sprinkling of live shows to being categorised by the Welsh Government as a Signature Event for Wales. That means it’s an event that is representative of Welsh culture and identity. It is also an event that makes a significant economic contribution to the city of Wrexham, where it has taken place since the outset.

Neal is an advocate for the arts and is also a founding member of the Events Industry Wales Advisory Group which was set up in 2020 to represent the interests of live music and cultural events, directly to the Welsh Government. 

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Wrexham and the local economy, it is my great pleasure to present Neal Thompson for admission to our highest honour of Honorary Fellowship of Wrexham University.