Organisers of Ripon Theatre Festival say business support is vital to the event's success, as they put local sponsorship centre stage ahead of this year's festival.
The festival operates as a charity, powered by volunteers and supported through a combination of corporate sponsorship, donations, grants and public funding.
Ticket sales account for less than a third of the income needed to stage the event each year, making external backing essential.
That support is helping drive significant growth too, with the festival attracting nearly 8,000 attendances in 2025 – a 37% increase on the previous year.
Organisers say the figures underline the festival's growing impact on Ripon's economy and the importance of strong links with the local business community.
Businesses can support the festival through three sponsorship tiers – Red Carpet, Leading Lights and Theatre Props.
Support ranges from funding performances and headline events to providing practical help and professional expertise.
Festival Director Katie Scott said:
“That might mean providing venues, logistics or professional services – or something as simple as feeding performers between shows.
"Every contribution plays a part in delivering an eight-day festival that brings thousands of people into the city.”
The economic benefits of the festival have also been highlighted by Ripon BID.
Lilla Bathurst, Manager of Ripon BID, said:
“Festival audiences boost footfall, increase dwell time and drive spending across Ripon’s shops, cafés, bars and restaurants during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
"We’ve been proud to be a top tier sponsor since the festival’s inception, backing the incredible work RTF does to support our BID businesses and strengthen Ripon’s cultural and economic vibrancy.”
Festival organisers say partnerships between businesses, cultural organisations and the community have long been a cornerstone of successful events across the UK.
In Ripon, support comes from businesses of all sizes, from local venues such as The Portly Pig, which hosts pop-up events, to larger sponsors including Elstob Auctioneers, which backs an annual open-air performance.
Longstanding supporters such as Specsavers and Little Bird Markets also continue to support the festival.
David Elstob, Director of Elstob Auctioneers, said:
“Ripon Theatre Festival has become an integral part of our community.
"We’ve been proud to support it from the beginning because we believe in what it brings to the city – not just culturally, but economically too.
"It’s a partnership that works both ways.”
Alongside supporting one of the city's flagship cultural events, sponsors benefit from brand visibility, PR opportunities and hospitality, while helping shape Ripon's identity and appeal.
But organisers say the message remains straightforward - without business support, there would be no show.
Businesses supporting the festival can be viewed via the Ripon Theatre Festival website.
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