Harrogate International Festivals has been shortlisted in two categories at the UK Sponsorship Awards for its work with brewer T&R Theakston.
Simon Theakston, chairman of T&R Theakston, with Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals. Photograph: Charlotte Graham
The Yorkshire-based arts charity has been shortlisted for the arts and cultural sponsorship award and the sponsorship continuity award. Both recognise its partnership with the brewer on the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival since 2004.
Over the last 20 years, the festival has established itself as a world-class celebration of crime fiction. It has attracted such internationally best-selling authors as P D James, Lee Child, John Grisham, Val McDermid, and Harlan Coben, along with fans from across the UK, and around the world.
“This unique partnership is incredibly special and it continues to be a privilege to support the world’s best crime writing festival as we have for the past two decades,” said chairman of T&R Theakston, Simon Theakston.
“Our collaboration with Harrogate International Festivals has helped put the local area on the global map and enabled us to bring world-class culture to a diverse audience, both young and old.
“This partnership has also helped elevate the Theakston brand by providing a truly global platform that means our great beers, especially Old Peculier, are now enjoyed all over the world.”
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, added: “We are a small arts charity, but one with big ambitions, and to be nominated alongside such massive brands and organisations is recognition of all the hard work that goes into producing such a successful event.
“We are hugely indebted to Simon Theakston and T&R Theakston Ltd for their unwavering support, and belief in us, Harrogate, and arts and culture in Yorkshire.”
The winners will be announced on 26th March.
