GRAHAM McKenzie has been appointed the new artistic director and chief executive of the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

He takes up the post in January, following this year's 28th festival, which runs from November 17 to 27 at venues in and around Huddersfield centre.

Graham joins the festival from the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow where he has been director since 1997 and has developed a ground-breaking programme of events and festivals dedicated to contemporary music and mixed media.

Mr McKenzie said: " I am delighted to accept this opportunity to develop the festival's reputation as the leading festival in the UK dedicated to contemporary, experimental and new music."

Dr Mick Peake, chair of the festival's board said: "Graham will bring extensive knowledge of contemporary music in all its forms, plus his huge enthusiasm and energy.

"His strong commitment will take the festival forward into the 21st century as the face of cutting edge music making in the UK - breaking new ground, while sticking firmly to our reputation for performances of the highest possible quality."

He also paid tribute to this year's guest artistic director Tom Service.