Xfm Manchester Secures Debut Sponsorship Deal

GCap Media’s newest indie music station, Xfm Manchester, has signed its first sponsorship deal, with clothing giant Topman signing for the debut promotion.

Backing the launch of its new flagship store at Manchester Arndale, Topman will become a partner with Xfm for coverage of its Access All April activity, comprising a month of gigs at intimate venues marking the station’s launch.

Running from late-March until early May, the promotion will give listeners the chance to win concert tickets every hour, with a line-up of artists including Embrace, The Go! Team, Zutons, Goldfrapp, The Charlatans, Feeder, Starsailor, Elbow and Stephen Fretwell. The activity is inspired by Xfm Scotland’s success with its 5 Night Stand promotion when the station launched in January.

The deal was brokered by Jonathan Davies at Carat Sponsorship and GCap Media sponsorship executive Louise Bennett.

Explaining the deal’s significance, Jason Griffiths, head of marketing at Topman, said: “The association between Xfm and Topman was the perfect choice as it reinforces our continued strategy of linking music and fashion by working with credible partners.

“The launch of Xfm Manchester also coincides perfectly with the launch of our new flagship store in the newly extended Manchester Arndale which opens in early April.”

Xfm network program director, Andy Ashton, added: “Topman is an excellent brand fit with Xfm, as it is looking to target guys into cool music. Access All April is a great way to tie in the corresponding launches.”

Xfm Manchester began broadcasting earlier this month (see Xfm Rejigs Schedule Ahead Of Manchester Launch), marking GCap’s latest extension of the brand, which was recently widened across DAB licences previously broadcasting The Storm (see GCap sells nine stations and plans to launch XFM and Gold brands on Digital).

Xfm: 0871 222 1049 www.xfm.co.uk