The Festival is clearly “a good thing” for the village and the region, but it is also a valuable commercial opportunity for organisations who can use it to target people who are interested in art and are prepared to spend on quality goods and services. To offer companies a professionally managed opportunity to exploit the Festival, we have developed a Sponsorship Programme. (Please see the Sponsorship webpage.)

There are, however, many companies and individuals who get no direct benefit from the Festival, but wish it well and are prepared to become a “Friend of the Festival” and for a small annual fee receive a newsletter, early notification of concerts and popular workshops, early access to artists' work and other benefits.  The launch of the Friends took place on May 9 at Staunton Harold Hall.  120 people came to the launch on a warm spring evening.  Philip Heath, (above), played the piano and hosts, Melbourne businesses and invited guests including Mark Todd MP enjoyed themselves.

We now wish to extend the invitation to join the Friends to all families and individuals who would like to support the Melbourne Festival and help ensure our long-term future.  The details are below.  Please send us your name and address and a cheque as detailed or e-mail us at info@melbournefestival.co.uk and we will send you a hard copy brochure by return.