BUSINESSES are being invited to sponsor this year's Ribchester Festival of Music.

The program for the event will be announced at a special evening for Festival Friends and supporters. The evening is an opportunity for businesses interested in sponsoring a concert to learn more about the festival.

In past years musicians such as Humphrey Lyttelton and His Band, percussionist Evelyn Glennie and violinist Viktoria Mullova have appeared at the festival.This year events are expected to range from jazz and choral to instrumental, guitar and opera concerts.

Festival co-ordinater Kate Hodkinson said: "Sponsorship helps promote the arts to the local community, makes them more accessible to the local community and raises the profile of sponsoring companies."

The programme will be announced on Monday April 23 at 7:30 in St Wilfred's Parochial Hall. Any businesses interested in attending the programme launch or who would like more information about sponsorship should contact co-ordinator Kate Hodkinson on 01772 782617.

Drop Kate a line...Click here...