Patrons

"When I was last in Scarborough I received my Honorary Doctorate from Virginia Bottomley. The warmth and kindness of that day stays with me. The morning I spent visiting the house of my birth, in Snainton. A circle completed. I am so happy to be a patron of this festival. Long may it thrive."

Born in Snainton, a few miles from Scarborough town, Sir Ben Kingsley is known for commanding performances in films such as Schindler's List, Death and the Maiden, Sexy Beast and Ghandi for which he won an Oscar. He has received multiple academy award nominations and in 2008 he was awarded the Cinema for Peace Honorary Award for the portrayal of the humanitarian role-models Simon Wiesenthal, Itzhak Stern and Gandhi.

"Heather and I are delighted and proud to be patrons once more of this, the second Coastival.  What a success that first Coastival turned out to be - not only a high point at a low point of the year, it genuinely seemed to unite the community and also proved Scarborough has much to offer at any time of the year.  We can't wait to see what the 2011 Festival will bring!"

Sir Alan and Lady Ayckbourn need no introduction to Scarborians or those around the world who enjoy quality theatre. As Artistic Director of Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre between 1972-2009 and as a prolific playwright and director, Sir Alan has been a bedrock of the region's cultural life, a nationally respected figure and earned a global reputation. The SJT has also been a crucial catalyst in the economic and cultural regeneration of Scarborough and Sir Alan still writes and directs his plays at the theatre.

"I was lucky enough to be involved in the first Coastival.   The audience gave us such a wonderfully warm response, and clearly loved the fact that this shiny new festival had landed on their doorstep. I am thrilled and delighted to have become a patron of this great event working towards programming the best of Yorkshire's talents.  In short Scarborough rocks! ...and swings."

North Yorkshire-born Claire is recognised as one of the UK's finest jazz vocalists and is increasingly known as a presenter on BBC Radio 2. Having nine respected albums to her name she has also achieved rare cross-over appeal with a fan base that includes the general public as well as jazz aficionados. Claire was the headline jazz act at the first Coastival in 2009.

"Having had my first break in music with Scarborough's own Little Angels back in 1991 and been directly involved with the first Coastival in 2009 as the drummer of Feeder, I am proud to be associated as patron with the Coastival organisation.  Coastival is a fantastic opportunity for local artists across all genres and spanning all ages to get involved in making this festival a hot, sunny weekend of talent in a month otherwise given over to  grey skies and huge seas.  Coastival not only brings in a huge amount of tourism over it's 3 day run but gives the local population an event they can be really proud of. Having grown up in Whitby and Scarborough, I was often frustrated by the lack of facilities and opportunities in the area. Coastival provides a stage for all those willing to participate and a seat for those who wish to be entertained.  Your participation in Coastival, however large or small, is a solid building block in the foundations of an event which will hopefully run for years to come."

Drummer Mark Richardson's first break in the music business was with Scarborough-based rockers Little Angels including playing on their UK number one 1993 album Jam. In 1995 he joined Skunk Anansie for 6 years including recording two platinum and gold certified albums and has recently rejoined the band. As the drummer with Feeder he played on four Top 10 albums and received an enthusiastic welcome from a packed Spa Grand Hall when Feeder headlined the 2009 Coastival.