Sky has come on board as the sponsor of the first BAFTA Film Nominees Party, replacing Burberry which has withdrawn its sponsorship.

Burberry pulled out to 'avoid embroiling BAFTA and its guests in threatened disruptive behaviour as part of campaigning against Burberry following its closure of its polo shirt factory in Wales on business efficiency grounds.' The company has been stirring protests in the UK.

The Feb 10 party, at London's Natural History Museum, is a first for BAFTA. Historically, distributor UIP had held a BAFTAs-eve party, The London Party.

'We are delighted that Sky has saved the day and will ensure the nominees party takes place,' said BAFTA chairman Hilary Bevan Jones. 'We thank Burberry for their support to date and their pragmatism regarding their withdrawal. As a charity we cannot fund an event on this scale without the generous support of sponsors and it is entirely fitting that Sky with its fantastic film offering can be our partner on this event.'

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