Renault Is Star Performer at Edinburgh International Festival

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Aug 29, 2011: The Edinburgh International Festival is now in full swing and as the Official Car Partner, Renault’s fleet of chauffeur-driven luxurious MPVs, plus hard-working vans, is, as ever, working hard behind the scenes to ensure that performers, artists and VIPs traverse the city in style.

This is the 15th year running that Renault has supported the Edinburgh International Festival, taking world-famous singers, directors, conductors, musicians and actors to rehearsals and performances in comfort and safety, and on time in the bustling Festival city. This year’s festival (Friday 12 August – Sunday 4 September) is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse cultures of Asia and its long standing influences on the cultural landscape of the west and features the Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe (pictured).

For 2011, Renault has supplied a fleet of nine Espaces, seven Grand Scénic, six Kangoo vans and two Trafic vans to transport international artists and management, as well as technical staff and props, to programmes around the city for the three-week long festival. Last year the Festival welcomed 400,000 visitors to its performances, ranging from large-scale opera to more experimental cross-genre performances to Europe’s largest annual choreographed fireworks display to live music.

Each year, the fleet receives praise from performers. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, said: “I have had the distinct pleasure of participating in the brilliant Edinburgh International Festival in two different seasons, and, as an international performer, I can say there are very few places as magical and wonderful as this festival. Being on the road nearly 11 months of the year, it is the small, personal, pampered touches that help make my life a bit less stressful, and at the top of the list in Edinburgh are the friendly drivers transporting us in luxuriously comfortable cars. One cannot underestimate what it means to be welcomed into the lap of luxury after a long international flight, nor can one downplay the effect is has on my performance. Renault are doing a wonderful thing to help touch many people during this unique and world-class festival.”

Mandy Hopkins, Manager, Public Relations and Sponsorship, Renault UK said, “This is the 15th year running that we’ve supported the Edinburgh International Festival and we’re always amazed at the diversity of the acts involved.

“Renault is famed for safe, comfortable and stylish cars, making them the perfect choice for performers who need to ensure their environment is as relaxed as possible, whether they’re about to perform or have just come off stage!”

Jonathan Mills, Festival Director added: “As soon as I see the fleet of Renaults criss-crossing the city I know that it’s Festival time, and that our artists and other VIPs will be arriving on time and relaxed. It’s not just the world-leading performers who need to get around quickly and safely. Whether it’s for a priceless violin, or an irreplaceable costume, Renault is the way to travel.”