Rebecca Pickles brings over 20 years of experience in the creative industries, specialising in music, culture, and comedy, with a strong background in live events, venue management, and festivals, such as Parklife, Kendal Calling, Greenwich Comedy Festival, Y Not? Festival, and Factory International. Their expertise spans event operations, logistics, stage management, artist liaison, promotion, and producing, alongside a commitment to inclusive and sustainable event practices. As the founder of Live at St. Mary's she has been able to fully utilise her expertise, reimagining St Marys in the Marketplace and securing the building as a vital new music and events space for Stockport. She is currently working as producer of Festival Square for Manchester International Festival 2025.

Currently lecturing in Event Management at Sheffield Hallam University and Spirit Studios, they have over 10 years’ experience in education, designing curriculum and assessment, project management, student engagement, and programme leadership, with a strong focus on student autonomy. Alongside their academic role, they are an experienced vocalist and songwriter with a deep understanding of the music industry, having achieved commercial success with pop band The Pipettes, which resulted in two top 40 singles, a top 5 album in Japan, a Pyramid Stage performance at Glastonbury, and performances with Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Bryan Ferry, and The Libertines.

Sarah Unwin is a digital specialist, educator, and producer with a strong background in live music events, digital culture, and creative technology. She has worked extensively across festivals, music venues, and cultural programmes, combining strategic digital marketing with creative production.

As a lecturer at BIMM University and the University of Salford, Sarah leads modules on digital strategy, content design, and project management for the music and events industries. She also works as a digital education specialist, designing interactive learning content and developing digital teaching strategies. Her research explores emerging technologies in education, including AI tools for neurodivergent students and video games as vocational training for the live music industry.

Sarah has extensive experience in the live music sector, having managed The Ruby Lounge, a renowned Manchester music venue, and worked on festivals and events including Parklife, Sounds from the Other City, Kendal Calling, In the City, SWAP Festival, and VIP Nation tours. She has also produced large-scale exhibitions, public art commissions, and experimental digital works collaborating with institutions such as FutureEverything, HOME Manchester, the Great Exhibition of the North. In addition, she has played a key role in artist development and innovation programmes, supporting creatives in adopting digital and interactive technologies working with partners such as Manchester International Festival.

Currently, Sarah leads marketing and funding development for Live at St. Mary’s.