BritWeek Honors Downton Abbey and Announces BritWeek Program for 2013

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BritWeek honored Julian Fellowes, creator of the hit PBS Masterpiece Classic, Downton Abbey, and Gareth Neame, executive producer, at a press lunch today and shared big news about BritWeek 2013. Michelle Dockery, who has a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in the TV Drama, also attended the lunch.

“We have a lot of great new content in our 2013 program”

“BritWeek celebrates the huge influence of UK creativity in California. We see Downton Abbey as a shining example of this and congratulate them on their many achievements,” said Bob Peirce, Chairman of BritWeek, speaking at the BritWeek Golden Globes press luncheon. Fellowes agreed and added, “California is a wonderful, tolerant and encouraging host, for ideas and for people of every denomination, and it is no surprise to me that we should find such a marvelous celebration of the achievements of the British under its azure skies. I am proud to be part of this year’s BritWeek.”

BritWeek announced today that its 2013 program, which will run from April 23 to May 6 in Los Angeles, will be its biggest year yet. The seventh annual BritWeek will once again include its signature red carpet events, such as the star-studded launch reception at the British Consul General’s Residence and the annual charity gala at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. It will also include new public events such as an Echo Park music party and a street festival along the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

“We have a lot of great new content in our 2013 program,” said Peirce. “Our music program will be the best yet. We shall be celebrating a British-born architect, John Parkinson, who designed much of downtown Los Angeles. We shall have a fabulous street festival in downtown Santa Monica.”

Peirce added that BritWeek’s charity partner for its 2013 gala would be Malaria No More, an organization dedicated to the eradication of deaths from malaria in Africa and chaired by film producer Peter Chernin. BritWeek last partnered with Malaria No More in 2009, when its gala guest of honor was former Prime Minister Tony Blair. The 2013 honoree has not yet been announced.

A host of other events will take place in and around Los Angeles, as well as in Orange County and San Francisco. BritWeek Orange County events take place in the same time frame as those in Los Angeles. San Francisco’s BritWeek starts on May 3rd. New this year will be “BritWeek Visits Miami,” with events held March 7-14th. BritWeek is once again proud to have Jaguar on board as a Platinum Sponsor.

Downton Abbey is up for three Golden Globes for their second series, including Best Television Series in the Drama category, Best Performance by an Actress for Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary Crawley), and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Dame Maggie Smith (Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham). They join a host of other British talent who are also up for nominations. Downton Abbey and the many other British talent embody the spirit and mission of the BritWeek organization.

About BritWeek

Founded in 2007, BritWeek is a 501(c)3 non-profit that organizes a program of events every spring in California, to highlight and celebrate the links between the Golden State and the United Kingdom. The program encompasses film & television, music, literature, art, fashion, design, cuisine, retail, sport, science & technology, philanthropy, and business links, and emphasizes creativity, innovation and excellence. For more information please visit www.britweek.org.

SPONSOR:
Platinum Sponsor
Jaguar

Gold Sponsor
Christopher Guy