- TD sponsorship demonstrates a growing commitment to the Hamilton area

- TD Comfort Crew will be handing out giveaways and offering a contest for preferred seating

HAMILTON, ON, Aug. 6 /CNW/ - Today marks the kick off of Hamilton's 35th Annual Festival of Friends! What's new? TD that's what! TD is the title sponsor this year and will bring headlining artists like Gord Downie, Flock of Seagulls, Richie Havens and others to the Festival of Friends stage.

"To be a part of the largest free concert in Ontario is really exciting and what could be better than getting together with family and friends, relaxing in the summer outdoors and listening to great music," said Jiuliano Ciardelli, District Vice President, Hamilton Region, TD Canada Trust. "We've been supporting music festivals across Canada for many years and this new sponsorship fits in perfectly and allows us to show our appreciation to our customers and neighbours in Hamilton.

The TD Festival of Friends takes place from August 6-8 and has something for everyone, whether you're a music lover or simply want to get outside and have some fun in the form of music, children's activities, new exhibits and a Midway. And the TD Comfort Crew will also be onsite handing out giveaways and entering festival-goers into a contest to win preferred seating right on stage to enjoy their favourite musicians up close.

"We're committed to this area and to helping it prosper because this is where we live, work, play and do business - so don't be surprised to see TD at local events and community functions more often," said Ciardelli.

For a complete schedule and event details for the TD Festival of Friends, please visit http://www.creativearts.on.ca

About TD Music

TD Bank Financial Group is committed to supporting music across Canada. In addition to supporting nine major jazz festivals across the country and numerous local music festivals, TD is committed to various programs and events including the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Canada and The Nathaniel Dett Chorale. TD also supports a variety of local, regional and national programs across Canada promoting children's literacy, education and the environment.

About TD Bank Financial Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group. TD Bank Financial Group is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 18 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD Bank Financial Group also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$574 billion in assets on April 30, 2010. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.