‘I try to support as many like-minded causes as I can’

Maggie Procopi uses her professional experience in organising arts events to support initiatives such as BerkoBeerFest and local environmental campaigns.

Bringing people together for a great experience has always fascinated Maggie Procopi.

‘I think I first got the bug when I had a holiday job at Cornwall’s Trelissick Garden. We hosted a variety of outdoor events – from touring Shakespeare theatre groups, to The Tall Ships Ball,’ she recalls.

Originally from London, she lived in Surrey and Cornwall before settling in Berkhamsted 34 years ago, and says her work has always involved events.

‘From an early age I was arts-oriented, but also introverted. I’m probably happiest playing piano or violin, out walking with my dog, or reading a book with a cat beside me. The environment matters to me as well; it impacts how we all live, work and breathe.

‘I’m acutely aware of the need to protect and enhance the beautiful town and community we live in and its surrounding countryside. I try to support as many like-minded causes as I can – for example the Save Castle Fields campaign and EcoBerko.

‘Ironically, although an introvert, I love theatre, performance, and entertainment, so event organising suits me very well. It lets me be sociable while still having a purpose and something to do. I’m not very good at small talk.’

As well as organising Berkhamsted Entertainment’s music nights, her volunteering includes a role as director of the annual BerkoBeerFest, which is now a community interest company supporting local charities.

‘Producing BerkoBeerFest is always challenging but also rewarding. Everything came together really nicely at the July 2026 event, with new members on the team, great weather, a fantastic line-up of performers and turnout of customers, despite it clashing with England’s World Cup quarter final.’

She also recalls the uplifting and unexpected fun of arranging outdoor comedy nights through a hot summer during Covid when rules had been relaxed.

‘We had to seat everyone in their respective bubbles, and also keep within the 2m distance rule. Our ushers had 2m measuring sticks.’

A memorable highlight of her mission to bring people together was the first tribute band night she organised at Berkhamsted Civic Centre in May 2024, a sold-out performance of The Bowie Experience.

Maggie laments the loss of many entertainment and arts venues closing across the country. ‘The pressure of rising costs means you have to be a financial ninja to make ends meet. A little bit of help from funding bodies and the government wouldn’t come amiss. Just lowering the VAT rate for venues and promoters would make a huge difference.’