A range of attractive sponsorship opportunities exists for commercial organisations interested in sponsoring The Waynflete Singers

Why we need your help

Many people are astonished by the ever-increasing cost of staging a choral concert with a professional orchestra and soloists. In 2007/08 the average cost of staging a Waynflete Singers' concert in Winchester Cathedral was about £25,000!

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This is made up of:
  • Hiring an orchestra and instrumentalists - about 40% of the total
  • Soloists - 20%
  • Hire of the Cathedral - about 20%
  • Rehearsal costs (chorus master, accompanist and hall hire)
  • Conductors fees.
  • Music hire / purchase
  • Advertising
  • Ticket agency commission
  • Performing Rights Society fees
  • Printing programme
If the Cathedral is full, ticket and program sales bring in about £15,000 but the now inevitable shortfall must be met from the Choirs' own reserves. These are boosted by internal fundraising and the annual subscriptions of members and Friends. However sponsorship is essential.

The average loss on a Waynflete concert is about £8,000.

Demand for tickets is strong, yet with top price seats already selling for £30 there is already a fine balance between achieving good audience figures and pricing live professional performances out of their local market.

A £3000 sponsorship package could lighten the load on the Waynflete Singers' shoulders by 40%. If that sum is donated by an individual through Gift Aid then its value to the choir rises to almost £3,700.

To the Waynflete Singers, this amount of money is a lifeline. To a thriving business it's a unique opportunity to secure the future of Britain's choral heritage while delivering a cost effective corporate message to some 200 performers (including instrumentalists), an audience of around 700 and thousands of people living throughout the south of England.

Enhancing your corporate image

A partnership with the Waynflete Singers provides a unique opportunity for discerning sponsors to play a key role in maintaining the choral tradition associated with one of England's finest cathedral cities.

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A Waynflete concert is a memorable experience whether staged in a modern concert hall, such as the Anvil in Basingstoke, or in the ancient splendour of Winchester Cathedral. The atmosphere, the sense of occasion, the opportunity to socialise and of course the music …. all these things add up to a very special evening.

The Singers enjoy valuable associations with a network of community and business leaders in an around Winchester. As a result the choir seeks to involve the wider business community at all levels, offering tailor-made packages designed to meet the specific marketing objectives of each individual sponsor.

These could include:
  • sponsoring the cost of the venue
  • regular programme advertising
  • providing funds to secure a particular soloist
  • underwriting a major concert
  • commissioning a new work
All possibilities are open to discussion.

Publicity forms a major part of any partnership agreement and sponsors' involvement is generously acknowledged from the earliest possible opportunity.

Corporate hospitality opportunities in impressive surroundings

A partnership with the Waynflete Singers opens up a wealth of opportunities for corporate hospitality. From the tranquillity of an Inner Close courtyard on a summer's evening, to the festive warmth of Winchester Cathedral during Advent, the historic setting of the Singers' Winchester home makes guests feel special at any time of the year.
  • Champagne receptions
  • pre-concert buffet suppers
  • informal summer barbecues
  • elegant post-performance dinners
...... are just a few of the options which can be catered for at the Paul Woodhouse Suite - an elegant hospitality venue situated in the Visitor Centre complex just a few moments walk from the Cathedral, with an exceptional reputation for inspirational food, fine wines and friendly efficient service.

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This modern building and its state-of-the-art presentation and other facilities can be reserved for the exclusive use of Waynflete sponsors, who will be given every assistance with forward planning to ensure that they can relax and enjoy the occasion along with their guests.

For a corporate hospitality brochure and further information, please contact:
Stella Black, Catering Manager, The Paul Woodhouse Suite
Inner Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LS
Tel: 01962 857258 fax 01962 857252
stella.black@winchester-cathedral.org.uk

Impressed? We hope so. To discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact our Chairman, Nick Caiger via our contact form