Edinburgh

The Gilded Balloon

Mick was Director of Projects at the Gilded Balloon in Edinburgh from 1998 to 2000

Mick managed the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival programme for the Gilded Balloon- one of the top three Festival venues; this included procuring and overseeing the fitting out of venues, recruiting staff and managing the day to running of the ten venue organisation. Mick also developed new projects such as ‘Winter Wonderland’ centred on the UK’s first seasonal outdoor ice rink and featuring a Christmas market, funfair and other attractions.

Karen Koren, Artistic Director

Mick was Director of Projects at the Edinburgh Fringe venue from 1997 to 2001, managing its day-to-day running, before setting up the London Comedy Festival, which ran for three years.

Gilded Balloon founder Karen Koren remembers Mick: ‘It’s with great sadness I heard of the sudden death of Mick Bateman. Mick was a loving, kind, strong man who worked with the Gilded Balloon in the late 90’s. He was literally my right hand man.

‘He worked hard and supported me and the Gilded Balloon always. We had great times together and sad times. We didn’t always agree but boy was his heart always in the right place. I’m sad because we lost touch.

‘He has been living in Lisbon for a while and working as a sculptor – his passion; and he was great at it.

‘When the Gilded Balloon burnt down it was Mick who organised two big fundraisers called “Gutted” to help keep Gilded Balloon afloat. He worked tirelessly to support us and I will never forget his love and dedication. Thank you Mick I will miss you so much.’

Published: 15 Apr 2022