St James has been given a major boost as an arts centre after a sponsor stepped in to cover the cost of performers travelling to the island.
The new partnership with Brittany Ferries means the ferry firm itself will cover the cost of getting musicians and entertainers from the UK and France to Guernsey.
A spokesperson for St James said the sponsorship would help it support “new and emerging talents”.
Jon Bisson, Director of St James, said he was “absolutely thrilled” as the partnership would allow the venue to “bring promising talent to Guernsey, which historically we have not always been able to do”.
The first band expected to benefit from free travel will be the UK’s Oscar, who will perform at the ‘Decibel Tower’ weekend event on 14 March, with the first French performers due in April.
Mr Bisson said he hoped the partnership would “inspire local bands and create future opportunities for island musicians”.
St James estimates that it brings more than 150 performers to the island each year, covering the costs through ticket sales, which can be “challenging” for smaller and emerging artists.
Paul Acheson, Commercial Director for Brittany Ferries, said the company was “very focussed on supporting our local communities and this is a great example of collaboration, particularly in the arts”.
Tickets for Decibel Tower are available on the St James’ website or by calling the box office on 711361.