Julian Lloyd Webber has confirmed as one of the patrons of the Lichfield Festival.
The event will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the celebrated cellist will be on board.
He joins the Lichfield Festival’s two continuing patrons – Russian conductor and artistic director of St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, Valery Gergiev, and Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant MP.
Julian, who has recently been confirmed as principal of Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “It has been an honour for me to perform at the Festival which has always been one of the finest in the land.
“I am pleased to see that it continues with its innovative programming which means that there is always something for everyone in this beautiful cathedral city.”
The 2016 Lichfield Festival will run from July 1 to 10 with the full programme set to be confirmed in late March.
Artistic director Sonia Stevenson said the new patron would add to the event’s appeal.
“Julian is one of the most highly respected classical musicians in the country, and is now an equally admired leader in the education sector and these are two of the things that we value most as a festival.
“We look forward to working with Julian and forging closer links with Birmingham Conservatoire.”
Lichfield Festival is one of the most eclectic in the UK and this year marks its 35th anniversary. The festival will run from 1-10 July and programme details will be announced in late March.
