Leading auction house Bonhams has reached an agreement with the Isle of Man Government to become a sponsor of the Manx Grand Prix Festival. The privately owned British auction house is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The Manx Grand Prix Festival, which takes place this year from 20th August to 4th September, features the Manx Grand Prix, the Classic Trial, the Two Day Trial and the VMCC Rally. The Manx Grand Prix classic races are widely recognised as the best in the world, while over 10,000 people attended the VMCC Rally at the Jurby Race track in the North of the Island last year. As well as associate sponsor rights to the festival itself, Bonhams will also receive naming rights to the MGP Classic GP Paddock. As part of their sponsorship they are entitled to trackside, podium and winners enclosure branding at the Manx Grand Prix. Their inventory also includes advertising in the official festival programme and race guide and banner ads on the official mgpfestival.com website. Ben Walker, Collectors Motorcycles Department Director, Bonhams commented: “The Manx Grand Prix festival, and the Isle of Man, is an attractive proposition for us with their motorcycling heritage. The event represents one of the best classic bike meetings and perfectly fits with Bonhams target audience and brand values.” Hon Allan Bell, MHK, Minister, Department of Economic Development commented: “We are delighted to have attracted a company as prestigious as Bonhams to be a commercial partner at the Manx Grand Prix Festival and look forward to working with them. Their involvement is a real endorsement of the growing strength and perception of the event.”