Volunteer Spotlight on… Katie Hickey

Artist, Illustrator, Dream-Maker, Choir Singer Extraordinaire

Katie Hickey

This month, we’re delighted to shine a very sparkly spotlight on the incomparable Katie Hickey - a woman of extraordinary talent, boundless creativity, and a heart as generous as her imagination is vast.

You might already know Katie as our famous book illustrator - yes, that Katie Hickey, recently contracted to illustrate the newest Paddington Bear book (you may have spotted some of those beautifully signed editions in our 2025 festival raffle!). But her talent doesn’t stop at the page.

Katie brought her signature magic to the festival this year, pouring time, energy, and love into our decoration design - all while running her own business and singing in not one, but two ATOM Choirs. She’s also the creative eye behind the design of our newsletter, as well as the gorgeous promo artwork for ChoirBLAST Does Christmas. Is there anything she can’t do?

Katie was the creative force behind our incredible Rainbow Wall Installation - a swirl of romantic, midsummer-coloured streamers that transformed our site into something out of a dream. Think Midsummer Night’s Dream meets English country festival, with ribbons catching the sunlight, meadows in bloom, the river gently winding by, and music drifting from the bandstand to the church. It was a setting straight out of a storybook — and much of that came down to Katie’s vision.

The now-iconic paper ribbon curtain? All handmade by Katie and her team. It wasn’t just decoration - it was atmosphere, wonder, and joy, sewn together with care and carried on the breeze.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Katie’s beautiful and versatile voice continues to lift hearts in both the Guildford and Farncombe ATOM choirs. Whether singing in harmony or stepping forward as a soloist, her voice adds that extra shimmer of magic - just like her artwork does.

We’re lucky to have her, grateful she’s part of our choir family, and proud to celebrate her this month.

Want to volunteer alongside Katie and others? Click here!