FRANK Wilson, 52, is the founder and director of the Stockton International Riverside Festival (established in 1988).

Jul 12 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

Beginning in 1992 when he worked as a programmer on the government sponsored European Arts Festival, he has also undertaken a number of high profile commissions and projects as curator and creative producer.

In 2005 Frank was the creative force behind “Cresting the Waves” the Eve of Parade of Sail event for the Newcastle Gateshead visit of the Tall Ships Race, in 2006 Frank organised the Mapping the Streets international Street Arts Conference.

Frank is the international programmer for the Chaoyang International Spring Carnival in Beijing, and has been appointed special adviser for performances in public spaces at EXPO 2008 in Zaragoza, Spain.

Frank is currently chair of the UK Independent Street Arts Network and a founder member of the Without Walls and Meridians outdoor performance consortia.

He is bringing the Flying Dragon Circus to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal next week.

Frank is married and has two sons.

Where do you live?

Sedgefield in County Durham.

How long have you lived there?

18 years.

What’s your dream home?

It’s not something I’ve ever thought about. I love living in the country.

How do you get around (walk, car, public transport, private jet)?

Mostly by car I’m afraid (I have a 30 mile commute into Newcastle).

What is your favourite part of the North East?

It’d have to be Durham City.

What is your favourite building in the region?

Durham Cathedral.

What is the best holiday you’ve ever had?

Sardinia.

What’s the favourite thing in your home?

My front door keys.

If you could have one luxury what would it be?

I have a holiday home on a marina in Spain so I guess a yacht to go with it.

What are you working on at the moment?

July is always my busiest month. We’re producing Bambuco’s bamboo bridge over the River Tyne and Flying Dragon Circus, which premiered in Beijing in May and comes to the Theatre Royal at mid-month. I programme the Mouth of the Tyne Festival in Tynemouth and South Shields and finish the month with the 21st Stockton International Riverside Festival, which I began back in 1988!

Who or what is the love of your life?

It is my family.

Where is your favourite place in the North East?

Victoria Park (home of Hartlepool United) and Durham County Cricket Ground, Chester-le-Street.

What is your favourite shop?

Foyles in London.

What is your favourite restaurant?

At the moment, Rasa Indian restaurant on the Newcastle Quayside.

Favourite pub?

The Tynemouth Lodge.

Favourite meal?

A proper Chinese banquet in Beijing (with someone else as guest of honour so they get the fish head).

Are you any good at cooking do you spend much time in your kitchen?

Like most men I’m comfortable with anything that doesn’t involve more than two things on the go at once.

What’s the last play or film you saw?

A dance piece called “Bend It” by Nina Rajarani’s Shrishti.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I’m writing a book at the moment so mainly background research.

What are you listening to on your I-pod / CD player at the moment?

Lots of Radiohead in the car.

What is your favourite TV programme?

The new version of Battlestar Galactica. It’s got me rooting for the robots!

What are you proudest of?

I love working on large-scale public events. After months or years of preparation the pay-off may only last a few hours, but so many people are affected. The show I designed for the Eve of Parade of Sail for the last NewcastleGateshead Tall Ships Race was experienced by upwards of 150,000 people.

When and where were you happiest?

Eight minutes before the end of normal time in the Hartlepool – Sheffield Wednesday Play Off Final at the Millennium Stadium. Pools were leading 2-1…

Do you have any wisdom to share?

Don’t dwell on setbacks. Curse, reflect, then move on (this is possibly easier to apply in professional life than in private life).

What does the future hold?

Professionally the big thing on the horizon is the Cultural Olympiad to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. This is meant to be a major national celebration (as long as the construction programme in Docklands doesn’t swallow up the entire budget).

The Flying Dragon Circus appears at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 July.

Tickets are priced £7.50-£27.50, from 08448 112 121 or www.theatreroyal.co.uk