Ashford Borough Council secures sponsors for programme of events

Photo caption left to right: : Jake Thompson - You Fibre, Kacy Ford - Bucksford Law, Richard Eno – EKC Ashford College, Lucy Clark – EKC Ashford College, Susan Bonett - EKC Ashford College, Tudor Price - Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Heather Hayward

Four new sponsors have been secured to support Ashford Borough Council’s headline events programme throughout 2024. Bucksford Law, EKC Ashford College, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and You Fibre have all come on board as joint-presenting partners, helping to raise the profile of this year’s Food & Drink Festival (Summer), Create Music Village (Autumn) and Carnival of the Baubles (Winter).

The announcement comes as an impressive giant billboard has been unveiled in New Street, offering maximum exposure to people travelling into Ashford, highlighting each event with sponsor logos.

Ashford Food & Drink Festival will take place throughout the whole of July, serving up a full menu of fun including wine pairing nights, comedy shows, weekend festivals, offers and competitions; Create Music Village takes over multiple venues in the town throughout October, bringing big names, great gigs, alongside the best new rising stars of music; and Carnival of the Baubles will return once again to light up Ashford Town Centre for its big festive celebration in November with its stunning night-time parade.

Kacy Ford, Director of Bucksford Law, said: “As a business right in the centre of town, it is important to us that we are involved and help to support these wonderful events grow.

“We are excited by these events and we hope that our contribution will help spread the word and make sure as many people as possible get to participate.”

Susan Bonett, Principal of EKC Ashford College, said: "Sponsoring these events is part of our commitment and strong emphasis on developing skills working on live projects and productions.

“This year’s events will no doubt give our students genuine experience of showcasing their work to the public.”

Tudor Price, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “We know that a vibrant cultural scene helps to create a positive atmosphere and generates wider benefits and value for our business sector.

“We are proud to be involved and to help elevate the wide raging event offers with our members.”

Ryan Battle, Managing Director of You Fibre, said: “We're delighted to be able to get involved with such fantastic local events at a time when we're rolling out our full fibre service in the area. As a company, we are committed to supporting and connecting local communities"

Cllr Heather Hayward, Portfolio Holder for Performance and Direction at Ashford Borough Council, said: “We are very grateful to our sponsors for believing in our wonderful events programme, and helping us to promote them.

“We know lots of residents already look forward to these events and we want to make sure as many people as possible know what activities are on offer and how they can take part.”

For more information on all events happening in Ashford Town Centre can be found on the Love Ashford website.