The Highland Festival has consolidated its relationship with Orange, the communications giant, by announcing a major new sponsorship deal allowing Orange to become the ‘Principal Sponsor’ of the Festival.
The Festival, which this year takes place in and around Inverness between 4th and 12th June, has never before had a Principal Sponsor so it is groundbreaking for both the Festival organisers and for Orange.
Festival Director Alastair McDonald announced the deal, at the opening of the CLAN Exhibition in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. He said, ‘we are absolutely delighted that Orange has agreed to become the Highland Festival’s principal sponsor and are looking forward to working closely with them to further develop the Festival’s reputation as a nationally and internationally acclaimed arts event in the Highlands. Orange’s enhanced support allows the festival’s marketing as well as it’s artistic programme to develop and we’re looking forward to the opportunities this partnership opens up.’
Pip MacLennan, Orange PR and Sponsorship Manager for Scotland commented “Orange is extremely pleased to become the first ever Principal Sponsor of the Highland Festival, extending our commitment to the Arts to the whole of Scotland and demonstrating our commitment to the people of the Highlands.” She continued, “The Festival has been through a rigorous advancement programme and is now set to become one of the arts festivals in Scotland. We hope, through our sponsorship, we can help it develop and grow, showcasing new and existing talent in the Highlands today, as well as encouraging more people to become involved with all aspects of the arts. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship!”
The Scottish Arts Council’s Advancement Programme also marks a change in direction for this year’s Festival. David Henderson has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Festival Board following the retirement of Thomas Prag as Chairman at the end of last year after nine years. The new look identity, on the press release, symbolises this new beginning.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Henderson said, ‘the Highland Festival is at a very exciting point in its history. Through a combination of public sector funding and private sponsorship, we have a stabilised platform on which to develop and extend our activities during the next three years. Orange has been a valued collaborator for a couple of years now and the enhanced sponsorship agreement marks a most exciting development in our collaborative relationship.
Its wholehearted support and involvement with us will enable the festival to grow and get its message out to even more people than was previously possible. Speaking personally I realise that I am assuming the chair at a time of opportunity and creative development for the Highland Festival and along with the new Board members, I greatly look forward to the work ahead as we progress towards the Scottish Year of Highland Culture in 2007.”
The programme of events for the 2004 festival, which is due for completion in late March, will showcase the best of Highland Arts and Culture and include new commissions, large-scale outdoor events, with much of it inspired by the dual themes of whisky and tartan.
For more information contact The Highland Festival on 01463 719000
