Masked Parade looking for sponsor

The Nelson Arts Festival is on the hunt for a new sponsor to back the annual Masked Parade.

Nelson City Council Festival Producer Sophie Kelly said that after five years Port Nelson Ltd had decided it was time to move on.

“We are very grateful to the port company for the support they have given us,” she said. “They have been a great sponsor for this event and while it’s sad to lose them it does open up a fantastic opportunity for another business or organisation.”

Ms Kelly said the Nelson Arts Festival is set for very big things alongside the Rugby World Cup in 2011, and the naming rights to the Masked Parade would provide a very high profile.

“This is already Nelson’s biggest outdoor participation event and we can truly say it is unique to this region,” she said. “There is no other town that has anything like this level of creativity and community involvement in a single event.”

The Nelson festival team is optimistic about finding a new sponsor.

“Look at the success we had with BioPaints stepping up to take Opera in the Park to a whole new level, and South Canterbury Finance doing the same with the Trolley Derby,” Ms Kelly said. “We are keen to hear from anyone who has a suggestion or would like to hear more about sponsoring the Masked Parade.”

The Nelson Arts Festival this year is set for October 14 to 25 and the Masked Parade will be on Friday October 15. The festival is produced by the Nelson City Council as a celebration for the local community and an added attraction for visitors.

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