BMW revs up festival sponsorship

BMW’s Hams Hall engine plant has agreed to extend its sponsorship of one of the Midlands’ leading cultural festivals.

During the last seven years the engine plant has forged strong links with The Lichfield Festival collaborating on education projects and mounting prestige concerts in Lichfield Cathedral.

The extension of the sponsorship for an eighth year coincides with major anniversaries for both the manufacturer and the festival.

The 2011 Lichfield Festival in July will be its 30th, while last month saw the 10th anniversary of the Hams Hall factory.

Mathias Hofmann, plant director, said: “I am pleased we have been able to continue our partnership with the Lichfield Festival for the eighth successive year.

“It will be a special year with both of our organisations celebrating key milestones. We are proud of 10 successful years of production at our Hams Hall plant and I look forward to seeing the Festival’s 30th anniversary programme, which I am sure will yet again bring a great variety of events and performances to our region.”

Fiona Stuart, festival director, said: “BMW is a strong supporter of the arts and we are grateful for their support during the last eight years. Our continuing relationship helps the Festival to present a strong, high-quality artistic programme for the benefit of the people of Staffordshire and beyond.”

The Lichfield Festival, which takes place July 6-17, will comprise over 70 music, literary, film, theatre and associated art events at a variety of venues, as well as a programme of education activities for school groups and individuals.

The grand 30th birthday opening concert on July 7 is preceded by a BBC live broadcast of Lichfield Cathedral’s Evensong service on Wednesday July 6. Details of the full programme will be released in April.