Dancing in the streets

Jun 6 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

Dancing in the streets

Substantial funding to Chester Festivals means the city can throw an open street party for the masses. BARRY ELLAMS reports.

ARCHITECTURE and history make European cities like Prague and Vienna distinctive, but it is their street theatre and alfresco culture that make them special.

Corporate giants have rallied round to secure Chester’s future as a city of festivals, music, theatre, literature and art by pledging substantial sponsorship.

Funding from Shell UK, Bank of America and The Arts Council amounting to £215,000 could turn Chester’s cultural famine into a feast of activities served up for Cestrians and visitors alike.

The finance will support the organisation’s development and realisation of both the Chester Summer Music Festival from July 19-25 and the Shell Chester Literature Festival on October 1-30.

Eddie Thomas, music officer, Arts Council England, North West, said: “Arts Council England, North West’s grant is given in support of Chester Festivals’ plan to deliver an annual programme of exciting artistic work, of international quality, that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Chair of Chester Festivals David Pickering said: “Festivals are key ingredients in the cultural cocktail available to residents and visitors to Chester. This crucial and welcome funding will allow us to enhance the contemporary lifestyle of this medieval city.”

Shell UK has agreed to take on the umbrella sponsorship of the now Shell Chester Literature Festival, October 1-30.

Shell UK will also continue its support of the Chester Summer Music Festival on July 19-25, featuring tenor Alfie Boe as the headline act.

The events are part of a portfolio of key arts organisations sponsored by Shell as part of its commitment to encourage creative thinking.

Shell will also fund an innovative scheme as part of the Summer Music Festival allowing young people to obtain free tickets for the performance by the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

Ed Brady, external affairs regional manager for Shell, said: “Chester Festivals is an integral part of the city’s artistic programme and we are pleased to be onboard in 2008, an important year for the region.”

Andrew Cornall, artistic director of Chester Summer Music Festival, added: “I am delighted that this major company are continuing their support which is vital to the success of the festival.”

Bill Hughes, chair of the Shell Chester Literature Festival, added: “Shell has been a great supporter of the Festival’s work and this year the increase in its funding for the Literature Festival Šwill ensure that the programme continues to attract a wide audience.”

A new partnership has also been formed between Bank of America, Chester Festivals and Manchester Camerata to put live music back into the city.

The funding will create the Chester Festivals Education Programme which will see a range of innovative education projects, Family Music Days and performances. In addition, it comes with a project manager dedicated full time to ensuring the work benefits Chester’s communities and schools.