A lovely gift for the 25th anniversary of the FrancoFolies! - Bell becomes the major presenting sponsor of the FrancoFolies de Montréal

MONTREAL, May 21, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - A fresh wind is blowing over the FrancoFolies… In fact, the organizers of the FrancoFolies de Montréal are delighted to announce the arrival of Bell as primary presenting sponsor of the largest French-language music event in the world! The two partners have signed a major four-year agreement that will cover the years 2013 through 2016 and enable the FrancoFolies to pursue their mission with even more energy and brilliance! This announcement is greeted with all the more enthusiasm as this year will be the 25th edition of the FrancoFolies de Montréal, a special event that will take place from June 13 to 22, 2013, and one that calls for a great celebration! To proudly mark this 25th anniversary and in tandem with this partnership, the FrancoFolies have also adopted a brand new logo that fits with a modern, more youthful image.

Alain Simard, president and founder of the FrancoFolies de Montréal, says he is delighted with this alliance between the French-language song festival and the leading communications company in Québec. "We are extremely pleased to be able to count on the support of a partner as prestigious as Bell to help us continue the adventure we embarked upon 25 years ago: that of promoting, and making accessible to the general public, French-language music by performers ranging from the biggest names to young artists on their way up. More than ever, such broadcasting calls for communication media that are both effective and innovative. Our partnership with Bell is therefore all the more fitting, since its technological expertise and position at the forefront of the media are invaluable advantages when it comes to broadcasting the festival content and bolstering the event's visibility. With the collaboration of Ford, which was already co-sponsoring the FrancoFolies, among others, the event can rely on several faithful and strong partners to help it grow and extend its influence in the years to come."

Martine Turcotte, Bell's Executive Vice-President, Québec, added: "Having been a partner of L'Équipe Spectra for over 20 years, namely as a supporter of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal and MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE, among others, Bell is thrilled to be supporting the organizers of the FrancoFolies de Montréal once again. Our commitment to Québec and French-language culture is expressed through events that rally the communities that we serve. The FrancoFolies de Montréal festival is the must-do event, and one that helps promote Québec artists and emerging talents. Like thousands of Quebecers, we are very pleased to be at the heart of the festivities and vibrate to the rhythm of the 25th edition of the Francofolies."

The beginning of a new era for the FrancoFolies!
With the best partners imaginable, the FrancoFolies now have the wind in their sails more than ever! This is a very good piece of news, offering hope that the financial troubles of recent years—which in no way affected the growing popularity of the event—will soon be a thing of the past. The FrancoFolies can now look to the future with renewed optimism, especially since they have indisputably scored a real coup by shifting their timing to June, starting off the summer festival season.

This special partnership is a particularly happy one because the FrancoFolies de Montréal and Bell largely reach the same audience: a young, trendy crowd that's in step with all the latest technological innovations and artists. A cutting-edge leader in communications, Bell has the desire and the wherewithal to shine a light on this major event that reflects our culture and to promote French music around the globe. Bell's participation will constitute a spectacular contribution to the lasting success of the FrancoFolies, enabling them to take their primary mission even further.

Bell in the spotlight
As primary presenting sponsor of one of the largest cultural events in Québec, Bell will lend its name to the prestigious Les Grands spectacles series taking place at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts. The main stage of the FrancoFolies at the Place des Festivals, where some of the largest crowds gather every year, will also bear the company's name. And to give added spice to the celebration, Bell has confirmed it will make a special contribution to be sure this anniversary edition of the FrancoFolies is even more remarkable: it will sponsor a free show on June 17, specially designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the FrancoFolies, with 25 artists performing 25 songs!

The 25th edition of the festival, presented by Bell in collaboration with Ford of Canada, will be held from June 13 to 22.

SOURCE: FRANCOFOLIES DE MONTREAL

Source:

Les FrancoFolies de Montréal - 514 525-7732

Information (media):
Greg Kitzler, Director, Press Relations and Social Media - 514 525-7732, ext. 5666; [email protected]
Maude Laberge-Boudreau, Presse Attaché - 514 525-7732, ext. 5622; [email protected]

Véronique Arsenault
Bell Media Relations
1 855 391-5263
[email protected]
@Bell_News