Liverpool Irish Festival Sponsor

The Liverpool Irish Festival has today announced a new sponsor.

Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services will be the festival’s principal sponsor in 2008.

The Liverpool ECHO will be the festival’s media partner for the third year running.

This year the festival will run events throughout the year to accompany the annual festival which takes place in October.

Plans are well underway for October’s festival with stars such as Christy Moore already confirmed to perform with many others lined up.

This months events include a reading of the play Walton Lock at Liverpool Hope University on 20 March, a James William Carling exhibition at Maggie Mays on Bold Street and a children’s performance of the Irish legend Children of Lir at schools across the city.

A number of education and community projects have been planned including an identity project with the Irish travelling community who live at Tara Park.

Norfolkline operate crossings from Birkenhead to Belfast or Dublin and have over 50 passenger sailings a week and see the festival as a reflection of their routes.

Phil Shepherd, Route Director of Norfolkline, said: “We are really excited about working with the Liverpool Irish Festival on the joint activities planned throughout the year but especially during the festival itself.

“We are looking forward to growing our business and to assist in growing the tourism sector in Liverpool, Capital of Culture in 2008 and are ready to welcome customers onboard and carry them to the great events at the Liverpool Irish Festival.”

Festival director, Anna Gilbert, said: “The Festival is delighted to be working with Norfolkline as principle sponsor of the Festival this year.

“Norfolkline is committed to quality, excellence and nurturing the links between Liverpool and Ireland, a direct reflection of Liverpool Irish Festival's aims."

Alastair Machray, Editor of the Liverpool Echo, said: “We are extremely proud to be associated with this festival once again, particularly as Liverpool celebrates being European Capital of Culture this year.

“The Liverpool Irish Festival shows off some of the best culture we have in the city and strengthens the strong links we have with Ireland.”

Cains brewery, who have sponsored the festival in the past 2 years will continued to be involved and are the official beer supplier of this year’s festival.

Check www.liverpoolirishfestival.com for more information.