HSBC Premier Sponsors Manchester Literature Festival

HSBC Premier has signed as Manchester Literature Festival’s first ever Principal Sponsor. The partnership sees the continuation of HSBC Premier’s support of literature, which began with sponsorship of the Oxford Literary Festival in April, as a way of opening up opportunities, making connections and stimulating debate. Manchester Literature Festival’s varied and engaging two week programme of talks, readings and performances each October supports these aims.

Since launching in 2006 the Festival has brought international writers, speakers and visitors, including Martin Amis and Margaret Atwood as well as emerging new talent, to the city with its diverse programming and regular commissions of new work.

With business for HSBC Premier developing in the north of England, this sponsorship presents an opportunity to provide clients and prospective clients with exclusive access to tickets, speakers and VIP events.  Of particular interest to the bank in 2011 is a series of events focusing on emerging markets, bringing leading writers and thinkers from India, China and the Middle East to Manchester for discussion and exchange of ideas, reflecting its wider focus on making international connections.

Richard Knight, Head of HSBC Premier UK, said: “Manchester Literature Festival’s dynamic growth is testament to its engaging and inspirational programming. By bringing people together from around the world and providing a platform for stimulating debate, the Festival reflects HSBC Premier’s belief in the value of using literature to understand different points of view.”

Cathy Bolton, Director of Manchester Literature Festival, said: “We are really fortunate to be working with a business that appreciates the contribution that good literature can play in illuminating the unfamiliar; fostering curiosity and understanding between communities of readers. HSBC’s generous support will enable us to continue programming increasingly ambitious festivals, bringing inspirational writers from across the world to Manchester and showcasing the freshest of home-grown talent.”

Manchester Literature Festival takes place from the 10th to 23rd October 2011 at venues across the city. The sponsorship is part of HSBC’s global Cultural Exchange programme, which encourages the understanding of different cultures as an important part of doing cross border business.