ROLLS-ROYCE EXTENDS CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE SPONSORSHIP IN 2026

• 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