With only 6 months to go, we have been busy signing up the wonderful performers to appear at the 2009 Festival of Colour as well as the all important Sponsors and Patrons.

Sponsors

We are delighted to announce a number of new sponsors who have recently signed up:

Jarvie Plumbing	Heritage Village Country Resort	Pete Marshall
Longview Environmental Trust

Trevor and Tamzin Scott

The Festival of Colour is also pleased to acknowledge a number of recent grants:

These join the grants already approved by Creative New Zealand, Central Lakes Trust, Community Trust of Otago and Sargood Bequest.

The website has been updated with all the current Sponsors and Patrons. If you are a Patron then please check the website listing and let us know if you want your name represented in a different way.

If you would like further information on how you or your business can support the Festival then please contact Lindsey Schofield in the Festival office Lindsey@festivalofcolour.co.nz.

Programme

		Whilst the majority of the programme remains a closely guarded secret until the launch on 12 February, we are able to reveal a few sneak previews. A highlight of the 2009 programme will be the new commissions that will premiere during the Festival.
		For those who enjoy dance, Raewyn Hill will be premiering a new dance work inspired by her Hong Kong residency. Raewyn’s work has knocked the socks off audiences at the two previous festivals and we look forward to welcoming her back.
		Dave Armstrong’s new play ‘Le Sud’ has recently been thoroughly workshopped and hugely enjoyed by those who saw the workshop showings. Dave has been a previous favourite for the Festival with his works ‘Niu Sila’ and ‘The Tutor’.   Mike Nock’s new work ‘Southern Suite’ will be premiered by Deidre Irons and Michael Houstoun as a highlight of their duet programme at the Lake Wanaka Centre.

Patrons

We now have nearly 150 Patrons committed to supporting the 2009 Festival and we are extremely grateful to them for their support. Patron support is vital as the funds do not have to be tagged to specific events and ideally we would like to reach our target of 200 Patrons. The $500 donation is fully tax deductible and in return Patrons receive priority booking on tickets, an invitation to the Festival launch on 12 February and invitations to pre and post festival functions.

If you would like any further information on becoming a Patron please email Lindsey on Lindsey@festivalofcolour.co.nz

Festival Merchandise

We still have supplies of special edition Festival wine and t-shirts in a variety of sizes so please check out the website http://festivalofcolour.co.nz for full information and how to purchase them.

Make a diary note of the dates for the 2009 Festival of Colour – programme launch on 12 February and the Festival itself runs from 28 April to 3 May 2009.

Be inspired … Be astounded … Be in Wanaka … Be there.