22 Jan 2013 Last updated at 00:00

New sponsor announced for Isle of Wight Walking Festival

The annual Isle of Wight Walking Festival will have a new title sponsor this year.

Exodus Travels, a leading provider of small group walking holidays, has signed up to support the event and as part of the sponsorship, will be offering participants the chance to win one of their amazing holidays to Italy.
 
Organised by the Isle of Wight Council, the Walking Festival is the biggest of its kind in Europe and is now in its fifteenth year. It takes place between 4 - 19 May and a full programme of walks will be published in February.

Even more popular
 
Elaine Cesar, Isle of Wight Council senior events officer said; "I am very happy to welcome Exodus Travels as the Walking Festival's official sponsor.
 
"By having a firm which is well known for providing walking holidays supporting the festival, I have no doubt the popularity of the event with increase even further."
 
Ben Roseveare, marketing director from Exodus Travels is delighted to be supporting the event, saying; "We are really excited to be sponsoring the 2013 Isle of Wight Walking Festival. It is a great fit with Exodus as the UK’s leading provider of worldwide small group walking holidays, and the Isle of Wight Walking Festival as the largest in Europe.
 
"I look forward to many special moments at the festival this year, from launching dedicated Exodus walks to organising a special evening event. We can't wait to get involved."

Dream holiday
 
As part of the firm's sponsorship, Exodus will be offering the chance to win an eight day walking holiday for two people to Italy's Amalfi Coast worth almost £2,000. Details of how to enter will be online soon at the festival's website - www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk and also in the official programme when it is published next month.
 
The firm will also sponsor individual walks during the event, with goody bags for those taking part in the walks. Details of these can be found on the website.
 
Meanwhile, officers from the council have just returned from promoting the Isle of Wight, the Walking Festival and the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival at the annual Outdoors Show which was held at the London Excel Arena between 17 - 20 January.

A popular 'dog owners' walk during a previous festival
A popular 'dog owners' walk during a previous festival
Factfile
  • During the 2012 event, Level 42 front man Mark King braved the Walk of Fire on the opening night of the festival.
 
Isle of Wight