ORGANISERS of next year’s York Mystery Plays are celebrating after a parish charity and two York businesses pledged thousands of pounds in sponsorship.

The Feoffees of Spurriergate, a charity which supports churches and other charitable purposes for the benefit of York’s inhabitants, is giving £15,000 to support the plays’ community work, involving up to 1,000 volunteers.

Shepherd Group has also put forward “substantial” sponsorship for the spectacle, which will be staged amid the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey in the Museum Gardens between August 2 and 27.

York Data Services has also given thousands of pounds in kind to initiate and set up an online system designed to help communications between the three partner organisations behind the plays; York Museums Trust, York Theatre Royal and Riding Lights Theatre Company, and freelancers working on the project.

Edward Waterson, chairman of the Feoffees, said it was very pleased to give its support. He said: “The plays are of great historical value to York and we hope that by supporting the community aspect of the production, people from all walks of life will be encouraged to take part as one of the thousand volunteers needed.”

Patrick Shepherd, deputy chairman of Shepherd Group, said it was delighted to support the revived production of the plays in the spectacular setting of the gardens. He said: “This production is set to be one of the highlights of 2012, for York and for many visitors to the city.”

Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said the generous support being pledged was “fantastic”. She said: “The level of investment they have given the project shows the significance they place on the plays and their importance to York’s cultural heritage.”

More than 28,000 people are expected to see the Plays tell the story of the eternal battle between good and evil – from creation to the last judgement. The community cast will be complemented by two professional actors who will be announced shortly. Further sponsors are still being sought. For more information email Sarah Barnard sarah.barnard@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or phone 01904 715450.