Waltham Forest – the London Borough of Culture 2019 – has announced a new creative director.

Sam Hunt, who led the creative programme for Hull’s year as City of Culture in 2017, will head the creative team to deliver an ambitious £5million cultural programme for the Mayor of London’s first Borough of Culture.

Mr Hunt will deliver a year of cultural events working with Waltham Forest Council’s partners and the community.

The council said it hope these events will put the borough on the map and provide a massive boost to help our young people into cultural careers.

It also wants to ensure 85 per cent of households in the borough take part in cultural activities during the year.

Mr Hunt has worked across the arts, events and cultural industries for 15 years, having worked to create and deliver nationally significant cultural event programmes.

He will work alongside the Borough of Culture’s programme director, Lorna Lee.

Mr Hunt said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Waltham Forest and deliver its exciting programme for London Borough of Culture 2019, building on my experience working with Hull UK City of Culture, and a range of cultural events across the country.

“Waltham Forest has a long and rich history of being home to radical artists and cultural provocateurs. I want us to build on the borough’s globally significant cultural heritage whilst celebrating everything that’s great about Waltham Forest now.

“Working with the borough’s flourishing creative communities; ensuring through 2019 and beyond, it is the place where the next generation of artists, writers, poets, musicians, makers and doers are put centre stage.

“Waltham Forest has a wonderful opportunity to set the benchmark for what a successful Borough of Culture should look like, the possibilities are boundless and this is what really excites me.”

Justine Simons, deputy Mayor of London for culture, said: “It’s great news that Sam will be bringing his expertise to Waltham Forest as their preparations to be our first ever London Borough of Culture continue.

“The London Borough of Culture programme will shine a spotlight on the incredible culture, heritage and hidden gems that exist in our city, and I can’t wait to see how Waltham Forest’s exciting programme comes to life.”

Council leader, Cllr Clare Coghill, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sam to our team for London Borough of Culture 2019. His wealth of experience working across the arts promises to bring that something extra special to our year of culture and put Waltham Forest firmly on the international map.

“Planning for London Borough of Culture 2019 is now thoroughly underway, and we can’t wait to share plenty of exciting announcements over the next few months, with Sam at the helm.”