9 February 2000

Local Company Rescues Classical Sparks

Local company Rick Armstrong Motors is the new major sponsor of Classical Sparks, the SummerTimes flagship event and biggest annual single entertainment event held in the South Island.

Michelle Beckett, Events Team Manager, has welcomed Rick Armstrong Motors’ decision, praising their commitment in putting money back into the community through this key local event. "This event is the biggest annual event in the SummerTimes programme and is enjoyed by between 60,000 to 120,000 people every year. Without the support of Rick Armstrong Motors the event may well have been in jeopardy, depriving families of a wonderful night out".

"Rick has made a wonderful commitment to the people of Christchurch having signed a 3 year sponsorship of Classical Sparks which will now be known as RICK ARMSTRONG MOTORS CLASSICAL SPARKS" said Ms Beckett.

The details of the sponsorship cannot be revealed as they are commercially sensitive, but Ms Beckett says that the nature of the sponsorship is quite different from the old historic sponsorship arrangement and so the two can not be compared. "Rick Armstrong has the credible reputation of being innovative and progressive, making this association most appropriate as Classical Sparks heads into the new millennium."

Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks will take place on 11 March in Hagley Park and will feature the Canterbury Symphony Orchestra with selected soloists.

For more information contact: Michelle Beckett, Executive Producer, phone (03) 941 8842 or (025) 740 585