This will mark the company’s third year of sponsorship for the Festival, which will take place from 1st-10th July, and forms an integral part of London Midlands’ commitment to support the communities it serves.

London Midland commercial director, Richard Brooks, said: “With direct connections to Birmingham, London and the northwest, Lichfield is at the heart of our network. The Lichfield Festival is such a prestigious event that we didn’t think twice about once again taking up the role of Principal Partner for the third successive year.

“For us it is about helping make this unique celebration of music, dance, theatre, film, family events and art accessible to all. With stations at Lichfield City and Lichfield Trent Valley getting to the Festival could not be easier.”

Designed to give commuters a flavour for the exciting and entertaining performances they can expect at the Festival, Lichfield Festival Chorus will be at Birmingham New Street Station on Monday 6th June between 8 and 10am. The community choir, led by Dominic Peckham (mentor on Gareth Malone’s The Naked Choir), will perform CircleSongs, designed especially for the occasion.

Lichfield Festival director, Jennifer Mears, adds: “We are thrilled to have once again secured the support of London Midland. Their sponsorship helps to make this iconic event possible, giving more than 40,000 people the opportunity to enjoy the best of regional, national and international art. We would like to thank them for their ongoing commitment and look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to enjoy this phenomenal artistic showcase.”

This year’s Lichfield Festival line-up includes Kate Rusby, Rob Beckett, Mark Kermode, Susan Calman, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Ballet Cymru and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.