Writer of Blood Brothers, Our Day Out and Shirley Valentine, Willy Russell has agreed to become the patron of York New Musical Festival which runs from Saturday 21 July to Wednesday 31 July.
Russell commented, "I was delighted to learn of the York New Musical Festival and wish it every success in encouraging and developing new work for the musical stage.
"By providing a showcase for new musicals and works-in-progress, the Festival will be an invaluable stimulus and encouragement to all those who, against the odds, grapple with this most demanding, but highly rewarding form of theatre.
"I hope that the Festival and all those who participate in it go from strength to strength."
For further information regarding the Festival visit www.ynmf.org