ROLLS-ROYCE EXTENDS CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE SPONSORSHIP IN 2026 – AutoMart Canada

• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars continues to strengthen an unbroken 23-year
  relationship as a Principal Sponsor of Chichester Festival Theatre
• Part of the marque’s wide-ranging support for the local community
  and the arts world
• Continued sponsorship coincides with a recently discovered
  historical connection to the site of Chichester Festival Theatre

 

“Chichester Festival Theatre stands as a beacon of creativity,
excellence and delight for its audiences, just as we do for our
clients, and sends a powerful signal that talent, inspiration and
brilliance can be found anywhere, not just in major cities, when
they are given the support and commitment they need. We are
privileged to support its invaluable work with local young people,
as well as helping to bring landmark productions by world-class
performers, directors, choreographers and producers to our corner of
West Sussex. We’re delighted to be embarking on another year as
Principal Sponsor of Chichester Festival Theatre, continuing a
partnership that has deepened and thrived over the past 23 years.”

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is pleased to confirm that it will
continue its long-running partnership with the world-renowned
Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT) in 2026, as Principal Sponsor.

The relationship between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and CFT has now
entered its 24th year; dating back to the opening of the Home of
Rolls-Royce at Goodwood in 2003. With confirmation that the
partnership will continue, it is the longest-running initiative within
the company’s wide-ranging philanthropic programme, providing
practical, financial and in-kind support to charities, schools,
organisations and local communities in Chichester and the surrounding area.

As a Principal Sponsor, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars provides vital
support for CFT’s Learning, Education and Participation programme.
This enables young people of all backgrounds in the local area to take
part in and benefit from creative projects, including the celebrated
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre, which celebrated its 40th
anniversary in 2025 with the world premiere stage adaptation of Matt
Haig’s A Boy Called Christmas.

The relationship between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and CFT is also
linked by a recently discovered historical connection. Oaklands Park,
which neighbours the theatre and is just 1.1 nautical miles from the
Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, hosted one of The Hon. Charles
Stewart Rolls’ regular charity ballooning competitions in 1907. Soon
after Charles Rolls’ ascent, twelve assembled cars set off in pursuit
of the balloon, aiming to be first to reach him upon landing. The race
took three hours and covered over 40 miles, concluding at Avington
Park, Hampshire. This well-attended event, which raised large funds
for local associations, mirrors the marque’s continued support for the
local community.

“A distinguished presence in Chichester’s business community and a
globally renowned brand, we are proud to mark over two decades of
partnership with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. United by a shared
commitment to our local community and a pursuit of excellence on the
world stage, we are delighted to celebrate these 23 years. We extend
our sincere thanks to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars for their continued
support and look forward to many more years of working together to
inspire young minds, champion the arts and enrich our community.”

Liz McCarthy-Nield, Director of Development, Chichester
Festival Theatre