NEWS: Bolton Octagon Theatre announces Bolton University as principal sponsor.

Octagon Theatre announces University of Bolton as its principal sponsor

Pictured: Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton and Roddy Gauld, Chief Executive of the Octagon Theatre.

The Octagon Theatre have today announced a new two year sponsorship with the University of Bolton. The Octagon Theatre are delighted to confirm that the University of Bolton will be the venue’s principal sponsor for 2021-2023. As a registered charity, corporate sponsorships support the Octagon’s ongoing commitment to make world class theatre, deliver vital community engagement programmes and support local theatre freelancers with artistic development opportunities. As part of the sponsorship the Octagon will work with the University to support students over the next two years by offering hands on industry experience including annual work experience placements and practical research opportunities for post-graduate students. The venue will also launch a new annual Octagon Student Prize for English and Creative writing students with the recipient receiving free access to Octagon workshops, mentoring from the artistic and literary teams and career development opportunities in to the industry. The Octagon’s Chief Executive Roddy Gauld said: “I’m thrilled that we’ll be working with the University again over the next two years as our Principal Sponsor. Their significant sponsorship underpins our work with communities, our artist development programmes, and the continuation of world class theatre being made here, in Bolton. Sponsorship makes a huge difference to us as a charity, and the University has been a staunch and generous supporter of the Octagon for many years now. “As we open our doors again this month, I’m delighted that as well as audiences and artists, we’ll be welcoming students too as part of their studies at the University. We really enjoy providing hands on opportunities and insights for students, and I know previous graduates have really benefited from this experience.” Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for the Octagon Theatre, which is truly one of the jewels in Bolton’s crown. “I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview of the new Octagon and I can confirm that the theatre’s transformation is nothing short of phenomenal. “It is modern, light and welcoming, with first class facilities and could easily grace any town or city in the world. “The theatre sector in particular has been severely impacted by the pandemic and so it is wonderful to see that the newly transformed building in the heart of Bolton is back up and running and will soon welcome audiences again. “The University of Bolton has strong links with the Octagon and is proud to be a supporter. We look forward to continuing to work closely with everyone at this magnificent theatre.” The Octagon Theatre is now reopen following a two year £12million redevelopment, with an impressive brand new state of the art building in Bolton town centre. The venue have a number of corporate packages available, for further information about corporate sponsorship opportunities contact Ed Hamer via ed.hamer@octagonbolton.co.uk