THE auction house Bonhams has been announced as a sponsor of the Manx Grand Prix Festival.

The privately owned British auction house is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.

As well as associate sponsor rights to the festival Bonhams will also receive naming rights to the Manx Grand Prix Classic GP Paddock.

The deal also entitles Bonhams to trackside, podium and winners enclosure branding, advertising in the official programme and advertising on the official website.

 
Ben Walker, head of the collectors' motorcycles department director at Bonhams, said: "The Manx Grand Prix Festival, and the Isle of Man, is an attractive proposition for us with their motorcycling heritage. The event represents one of the best classic bike meetings and perfectly fits with Bonhams target audience and brand values."

Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "We are delighted to have attracted a company as prestigious as Bonhams to be a commercial partner at the Manx Grand Prix Festival and look forward to working with them. Their involvement is a real endorsement of the growing strength and perception of the event."

The Manx Grand Prix Festival will take place between August 20 and September 4.