LEIGH Festival and Canal Rally is going from strength to strength!

The local Business Partnership has just welcomed more sponsors for the September event.

Waterfields bakers and Asda have joined the growing list of local businesses to support the festival, which is aimed at being the biggest in Leigh for 20 years.

Event co-ordinator Alan Jones welcomed the new sponsors.

He said: "The festival sponsorship is growing in strength every day.

"It shows that with co-operation we can lift the profile of Leigh and get ready for the challenges of the new Millennium."

The festival, which is set to become an annual event, has also attracted lots of interest from outside the area both from community groups and business leaders.

Leading the sponsorship team, Boulevard owner Eddie Grindrod said: "We welcome the involvement of such high profile companies as Waterfields and Asda, it shows their commitment to Leigh and district.

"But we still need more local sponsorship from companies both large and small. With everyone's help we can make the Leigh festival and canal rally a huge success."

Another recent recruit to the trade village is Wigan and Leigh College.

College staff will be giving out help and advice for the many courses they run.

Ann Woolley, the college's marketing officer said: "This is an ideal opportunity to let the local community know exactly what is on offer."

For more information on trade or sponsorship ring the festival hotline on 01204 492990, or event co-ordinator Alan Jones on 01942 883079.

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