Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival is proud to announce a new 3-year sponsorship deal with the University of Huddersfield.

Although the Festival has its offices on the University campus and has enjoyed close association with the University over its 30 year history, this new sponsorship deal marks a new period of partnership and collaboration between the two organisations. As well as the financial element of the arrangement, the University will also provide a range of in-kind benefits including premises, equipment and IT support.

Graham McKenzie, HCMF's Artistic Director and Chief Executive is to be appointed as a visiting research fellow at the University. There will continue to be a wealth of opportunities for staff and students of the University to participate in the Festival, whether as performers, composers, stewards, volunteers or attenders, or through work experience placements. Workshops and events will be organised for staff and students, contributing to their studies and their professional development and the Festival will play an enhanced role in promoting and developing the University's international reputation for its music-based research and academic performance.

The University is acknowledged as headline sponsor in the Festival's 90-page brochure, which has just been published and on its newly launched website - both of which carry details of all the 40+ events that make up this year's Festival, taking place from 21 - 30 November.

Commenting on the sponsorship arrangements, Professor Bob Cryan, Vice-Chancellor of the University said:
"It is wonderful that the town of Huddersfield is able to welcome so many composers and performers of world-wide renown to the town each November, and we are delighted to be able to continue to support the Festival. The University, and the town, have well deserved international reputations in the music world, and I am sure that our continuing collaboration with the Festival will bring new benefits to us all."

Graham McKenzie added: "This is a really important development for HCMF, cementing our close working relationship with the University and contributing to our ambitious development plans for the future. For over 30 years, HCMF has provided Huddersfield and its University with a unique musical and cultural event; it remains the UK's foremost festival of new music and continues to build its international reputation for presenting UK and international work of the highest standard. We are looking forward to working ever more closely with the University to ensure that the Festival is a key focus of its work to attract top calibre students and staff, from both the UK and overseas."

The 2008 HCMF will host composers and performers from over 20 countries around the world, including Canada, America, Australia, Israel, Holland, Sweden, Germany and Japan, as well as festival directors from Europe's top music festivals and the British Council hosting 20 VIP guests from overseas to a showcase of British music. With an expected audience of over 8,000 people and visits by music journalists and critics from all the major newspapers and music magazines, HCMF is set for another successful year.