Hull Truck Theatre has announced a new partnership with local business Heron Foods, who have become the headline sponsor for the theatre’s main auditorium, which has been renamed The Heron.

The sponsorship, which will run from 2016 until 2021, symbolises the two organisations’ commitment to the city of Hull, the region and the arts. Hull Truck Theatre and Heron Foods are both long-standing Hull businesses with a reputation for high quality, innovation and commitment to giving excellent value to customers.

The support given by Heron Foods will enable Hull Truck Theatre to create further ambitious work and engage in deeper and more meaningful relationships with the local community. The two organisations have also committed to jointly promote key community engagement projects in some of Hull’s most disadvantaged areas.

Heron Foods’ sponsorship will be matched pound for pound as part of Hull Truck Theatre’s successful application to Arts Council England’s Catalyst fund, again making a real impact on the artistic ambitions of the organisation. 

As part of the sponsorship, Hull Truck Theatre’s programme of events will be made available in Heron’s stores in Hull. Hull Truck Theatre’s logo will feature on a number of Heron’s vehicles, which travel thousands of miles between all the major cities in the North and Midlands.

Mark Babych, Artistic Director at Hull Truck Theatre, said: "This major new partnership and headline sponsorship recognises the huge difference that Heron Foods’ support will make to our work on stage and in the community. In our discussions we uncovered lots of shared ground – we’re both long-standing, trusted Hull brands, with a reputation for high quality, innovation and a commitment to demonstrating value to our customers. On behalf of all of us at the theatre, I’d like to say thank you to Heron Foods, and we will look forward to welcoming audiences to some fantastic shows over the years to come in The Heron."

Mike Igoe, Commercial Director at Heron Foods, said: "This collaboration is a good example of a mutually beneficial partnership, providing us with a great platform for brand visibility as well as access to exceptional facilities in creative surroundings for various corporate purposes, including conferencing. What’s more, we’re looking forward to sharing Hull Truck Theatre’s famously innovative entertainment with our staff. We are really excited to be working together so we can make a difference in our local communities."