RALUCA LUPU – DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Raluca holds a deep affection for the magical landscapes of Transylvania, which motivated her to get a university degree in Horticulture. With a background in marketing and communications and an international outlook, Raluca is eager to channel her boundless enthusiasm, cultural perspective, creativity, and appreciation for beauty—whether found in nature or human connection—into the Festival.
ELIZA BOWCOCK
Eliza is Lucy’s daughter and brings her experience of event management to the Transylvanian Arts Festival.
SARAH ROBERTS
Sarah is Lucy’s PA and will be dealing with bookings and enquiries. She has spent over a decade in business development and event management within a variety of sectors. She has also spent a number of years working within conservation, an area she is passionate about, and has spent time volunteering in South Africa and Namibia as well as previously being a trustee for a UK based wildlife rescue charity.
LAURA VESA
Owner and tour leader of her Brasov-based travel company DiscoveRomania, who has worked together with Lucy and Bronwen ensuring the smooth-running of tours in Romania for almost 20 years. We are delighted that she has now taken on the organisation of accommodation and travel logistics for the festival.
GHEORGHE POPA
Owner of transport company Gammis in Medias, works closely with Laura to organise transfers to and from airports; vehicle hire and transportation around the countryside for visits and picnics.
MIKE MORTON
UK-based travel consultant who has been organising journeys to Romania for decades and helps festival-goers arrange flights and trains to and from Romania.
Our hosts
Originally from Holland, Tony is now a resident of Richie and is in charge of all the superb local cooks, preparing delicious meals and picnics and also hosting guests at her accommodation in Richie.
The Șomartin Project: A Legacy of Restoration
Driven by a shared passion for historical architecture, Mariana and Jochen have dedicated themselves to preserving the Saxon heritage of Șomartin. Since 2017, they have undertaken the monumental restoration of the village’s historic center.
At the heart of their work is the Saxon Community House, a 20th century masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Fritz Balthes. Their dedication has sparked a quiet revival, inspiring friends and newcomers to restore neighboring homes and creating a vibrant, organic blend of locals and preservationists.
Beyond the architecture, Șomartin offers a sanctuary for unique experiences. Here, guests can enjoy art, music, and seasonal flavors made from natural ingredients, all in harmony with the raw beauty of the surrounding nature. For Mariana and Jochen, this is a lifelong project that continues to evolve. It brings them immense joy to witness the community revive and to see these historic stones tell new stories for generations to come.
Driven by a shared passion for historical architecture, Mariana and Jochen have dedicated themselves to preserving the Saxon heritage of Șomartin. Since 2017, they have undertaken the monumental restoration of the village’s historic center.
At the heart of their work is the Saxon Community House, a 20th century masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Fritz Balthes. Their dedication has sparked a quiet revival, inspiring friends and newcomers to restore neighboring homes and creating a vibrant, organic blend of locals and preservationists.
Beyond the architecture, Șomartin offers a sanctuary for unique experiences. Here, guests can enjoy art, music, and seasonal flavors made from natural ingredients, all in harmony with the raw beauty of the surrounding nature. For Mariana and Jochen, this is a lifelong project that continues to evolve. It brings them immense joy to witness the community revive and to see these historic stones tell new stories for generations to come.
Bio Moșna began in 1998, when Willy and Lavinia Schuster moved to the village of Moșna and started to rebuild a Saxon household, with a vision of ecological, small-scale agriculture. Inspired by their experience with organic farming in Switzerland, they created one of the early family organic farms in Romania. Over the years, their farm grew into a diverse ecological household with garden, animals, and dairy production. Bio Moșna also became a place of learning and exchange, welcoming volunteers and visitors interested in sustainable farming and rural life.
Today, the farm stands as an example of how tradition, care for the land and community, can shape a sustainable future.
Today, the farm stands as an example of how tradition, care for the land and community, can shape a sustainable future.
Our volunteers
Originally a teacher, Louise is now a trustee of the Fresh Air Sculpture Show in Quenington, Gloucestershire. She was enchanted by Transylvania on her first visit in 2007 and has become a regular visitor and volunteer at the Transylvanian Book Festival.
Laura is the owner and tour leader of her Brasov-based travel company DiscoveRomania, who has worked together with Lucy, ensuring the smooth running of tours in Romania for almost 20 years. We are delighted that she has now taken on the organisation of accommodation and travel logistics for the festival.
Toni is
Donata is
Rodica is
Donata is
Rodica is
Cristina Antonica
