Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN), the global medical technology business, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Freedom Festival Arts Trust. The Hull (UK) based Freedom Festival celebrates the city’s independent spirit and historic contribution to the cause of freedom through artistic and cultural expression.
The Freedom Festival is the lasting legacy of the Wilberforce 2007 campaign, which celebrated the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, led by Hull-born MP William Wilberforce in 1807.
“As a Company with its roots deeply embedded in this city we are excited to continue contributing to a positive change in the region” said Sue Myers, Senior Director, Communication, Smith & Nephew. “Smith & Nephew is proud to continue giving employees the opportunity to be part of Hull’s cultural fabric by supporting Freedom Festival, which follows our successful sponsorship of Hull’s City of Culture celebrations in 2017.”
Last year’s Freedom Festival saw an estimated audience of 150,000 people enjoy more than 200 acts from across the world performing in Hull’s streets and spaces. While the festival itself is for one weekend in the year, Smith & Nephew will enjoy a year round association with the Freedom Festival Arts Trust which aims to nurture and support local and regional creative talent while also continuing to attract national and international artists and collaborators.
Jenny Howard-Coombes, Executive Director at Freedom Festival Arts Trust, said: “Freedom Festival would not be possible without our partners, sponsors and friends of Freedom. We are delighted to welcome Hull-based Smith & Nephew into our Freedom Family. Hull’s creativity and passion has been ignited over recent years and we are keen to build on the interest in arts and culture for all to enjoy having seen first-hand the impact it can have on a city and its people.
“Just like Smith & Nephew, we are firmly rooted in the city and we’re looking forward to another incredible year.”
Founded in Hull over 160 years ago by Thomas James Smith, the Company has grown from a Whitefriargate pharmacy to a global supplier of advanced medical devices with more than 15,000 employees. During the First World War, the firm specialised in the supply of field dressings, and now manufactures pioneering products used by healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries.
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Sue Myers
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Smith & Nephew plc
About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals in their daily efforts to improve the lives of their patients. With leadership positions in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Advanced Wound Management, Sports Medicine and Trauma & Extremities, Smith & Nephew has more than 15,000 employees and a presence in more than 100 countries. Annual sales in 2017 were almost $4.8 billion. Smith & Nephew is a member of the FTSE100 (LSE: SN, NYSE: SNN).
For more information about Smith & Nephew, please visit our corporate website www.smith-nephew.com, follow @SmithNephewplc on Twitter or visit SmithNephewplc on Facebook.com
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