Mary HamiltonJonathan Denby, corporate affairs head at Festival principal sponsor National Express East Anglia, shares his thoughts for the day.Mary Hamilton

Jonathan Denby, corporate affairs head at Festival principal sponsor National Express East Anglia, shares his thoughts for the day.

Once again it is a fantastic time to be in Norwich and Norfolk.

After Norwich City's promotion as champions from League 1, the Queen's opening of the new Hostry at Norwich Cathedral and the city's short-listing for the City of Culture bid, this year's Festival is giving us all many more reasons to be proud to live and work here.

The Festival team has once again excelled itself with a fabulous line-up of events across sixteen days of music, theatre, dance and the visual arts.

In this, the twentieth year of partnership between the region's railways and the Festival, there is an even greater 'buzz' than ever around the city, with a stunning programme which appeals to everyone - young and old, individuals and families.

As principal sponsors, we are closely associated with several of the performances during the Festival. This evening it will be the Academy of Ancient Music at St. Andrew's Hall, with a programme including the ever-popular Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

We've also been involved with the Festival in a number of other ways - our staff acting as Festival ambassadors, the launch event with members of the La Vie circus troupe on the station concourse and the appearance of the Red Ball at the station.

It's been a joy to witness some great performances and the enjoyment of so many people attending events - including the free events at the Forum and Earlham Park.

The Academy of Ancient Music will perform tonight at 7.30pm at St Andrew's Hall.

For more information about the Festival and to book tickets visit www.nnf10.org.uk or call 01603 766400.