ScottishPower and Celtic Connections are delighted to announce that the energy company will be extending its support of the festival as principal sponsor through to the end of 2010.
In sponsoring Scotland’s premier roots music festival, ScottishPower is celebrating its Scottish origins and investing in the future of our national traditions. The company’s commitment to Celtic Connections enables festival organisers to now be able to plan ahead and build on the success of this year bringing the best in international and home-grown talent to Glasgow every January.
Nick Horler, ScottishPower Chief Executive, said:
"The Celtic Connections festival is firmly established as a highlight in Scotland's cultural calendar - especially in this year of Homecoming. ScottishPower is proud to extend its principal sponsorship. In these challenging economic times, sponsorship funding in Scotland will no doubt become harder to secure. That's why I am delighted to announce we have renewed and extended our sponsorship of Celtic Connections through to the end of 2010 - providing them with a secure platform from which to continue their exciting development."
Donald Shaw, Artistic Director, Celtic Connections, said:
"Celtic Connections is delighted that ScottishPower are continuing to support the festival and build on the already successful partnership. The commitment of the company provides the passport to ensuring that Scottish and international visitors can enjoy a diverse range of high quality music in Glasgow each January. The company’s investment is particularly key in funding the festival’s education programme, which encourages children to enjoy Scotland’s cultural heritage and nurtures an awareness of traditional Scottish music from classrooms to concert halls. The festival is proud to be supported by ScottishPower, and is confident in working together to deliver sustained development of the partnership into 2010."
For more information please contact:
Claire Snedden
Media Relations Assistant
Celtic Connections Press Office
Tel: 0141 353 8070
E-mail: clairesnedden@glasgowconcerthalls.com
Notes to Editors:
Images
Pictures of: Linda Fabiani (Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture), Nick Horler (Chief Executive, ScottishPower) and Eddi Reader, celebrating the announcement, are available on request.
Celtic Connections
Celtic Connections 2009 runs from Thursday 15th January to Sunday 1st February 2009 and comprises 300 concerts, ceilidhs, talks, workshops, free events and late night sessions taking place over 18 days in 14 venues across Glasgow.
The focal point of Celtic Connections is the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where every available space is utilised during the festival, from workshops in the foyers to performances by world-class artists in the Main Auditorium. Elsewhere in Glasgow, venues such as ABC, The Tron, Òran Mór, The Classic Grand, City Halls and festival fans’ favourite the Old Fruitmarket will all play host to Celtic Connections events.