Wymondham Music Festival is inviting residents to join the growing number of patrons and sponsors who provide financial and other support, keeping ticket prices down and ensuring that many free events can be offered.

Wymondham Music Festival is inviting residents to join the growing number of patrons and sponsors who provide financial and other support, keeping ticket prices down and ensuring that many free events can be offered.

One of the things that sets the festival apart is the number of free events, or ones where ticket prices are affordable. Local councils contribute nearly a quarter of the £30,000 annual cost, with ticket sales and collections about one third. The remaining money comes from a variety of sources, including advertising, sponsorship and individual patrons.

The festival has more than 70 patrons, most making an annual donation of £25, some contributing more. An event can be sponsored for two or three hundred pounds, with an acknowledgement in the Festival brochure and the event programme where one is produced. With some concerts costing up to £1,500 to stage, such support is essential.

Leaflets about becoming a patron and other ways to help Wymondham Music Festival are available from the Library, where an exhibition of images of the 2008 Festival by official festival photographer Anna Meek is on display until Friday. December 19.

The festival organisers would be delighted to hear from individuals or businesses who would like to help. For general inquiries call the festival secretary Barbara Randall on 01953 601939.

To find more about becoming a patron call Hugh Morgan on 01953 603462, and to advertise in the Festival brochure call Caroline Brown on 01953 603018.

Further information is also available from the Festival website on www.wymfestival.org.uk