The Mansfield Building Society has agreed to be the main sponsor of the Mansfield Music and Drama Festival for the next three years.

The festival committee said the building society had been an important sponsor for a number of years, enabling it to grow in challenging economic times.

It said they would continue to promote and encourage the development of local artistic talent.

The festival, inaugurated in 1924, is rooted within the community, with schools and amateur arts groups forming the core participants.

Entrants come from all over Nottinghamshire, but mainly from Mansfield and the surrounding areas.

The festival is organised, run and stewarded by a small group of volunteers and, as a charity, is wholly dependent upon sponsors and patrons for funding.

Festival chairman Paul Bacon said: “This year’s festival was an outstanding success with very high standards in both the drama and music.

“Our annual Choirs’ Day featured entries from more than 30 separate choirs and I am grateful to the local schools for the support they give.

“We are extremely appreciative as always to all our team of volunteers, our patrons, sponsors and, in particular, the generosity of the Mansfield Building Society. Together they all contribute to the continuing success of this annual festival.”

Anyone who would like more details about how to become a patron or sponsor should contact Lucinda Bampton, sponsors and patrons secretary, on [email protected]